The Original Map CommissionThe Clevedon map was designed to help visitors orient themselves and explore the town more easily. The aim was to create something that was both clear and visually engaging, combining accurate information with illustrated landmarks and features. The map highlights key locations such as the seafront, parks, shops and visitor attractions, making it easy for people to understand the layout of the town at a glance. It was initially created for large outdoor “You Are Here” boards, positioned in key locations so visitors could quickly find their bearings and discover places nearby.
Extending the Map Across Multiple MaterialsOne of the biggest advantages of an illustrated map is that it can easily be adapted for many different uses. Once the core design exists, it can be scaled, cropped or simplified to suit different formats. For the Clevedon project, the map was used in several ways. Tourist Information BoardsThe most visible application was on the large visitor boards installed around the town. These help people orient themselves and identify nearby attractions, walking routes and facilities. Because the map uses clear icons and illustrated landmarks, visitors can quickly understand where they are and what there is to explore nearby.
Printed LeafletsThe same map was also adapted into printed visitor leaflets. These allow visitors to take a copy with them as they walk around the town. Using the same visual style ensures that the leaflet feels instantly recognisable and consistent with the visitor boards.
Walking Routes and TrailsMaps are also extremely useful for guided walking routes and heritage trails. Sections of the Clevedon map were adapted to highlight particular routes and areas of interest, helping visitors follow a path while learning more about the town along the way.
History and Interpretation BoardsAnother important part of the Clevedon project was the creation of a series of history and interpretation boards installed across the town. These boards were designed to tell the story of Clevedon — highlighting key locations, historical moments and points of interest in a way that is both accessible and visually engaging for visitors. A small section of the illustrated map was incorporated into each board to help provide context, showing visitors exactly where they were in relation to the wider town. This helped connect each individual story back to the bigger picture, making it easier for people to explore further. Each board combined clear, informative text with illustration and layout design, creating something that works for a wide audience — from casual visitors to those wanting to learn more about the town’s heritage.
Website and Digital Use
Activity Sheets and Educational MaterialsAnother great use for illustrated maps is family activity sheets and educational resources. Simplified versions of a map can help children explore a place through activities such as treasure hunts, wildlife spotting or heritage trails. This approach makes maps both informative and engaging for younger audiences.
Why This Approach Works So WellDesigning a map that can be used across multiple formats offers several advantages.
Maps for Towns, Heritage Sites and Visitor DestinationsIllustrated maps can be used in a wide range of places, including:
Interested in an Illustrated Map?If you’re planning a visitor project and think an illustrated map could help people explore your destination, I’d love to hear about it.
Looking for an illustrated map for your town or visitor destination? Get in touch here.
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 Illustrated Tourist Boards, Leaflets and Heritage Interpretation
Designing the Warminster Visitor Map The heart of the project was a clear, colourful illustrated town map designed to help visitors quickly understand where everything is.Key goals for the map included:
This style is particularly helpful for:
Tourist Information Boards
Visitor Leaflet
Alongside the outdoor boards, I also designed a folded visitor leaflet using the same illustrated map. The leaflet allows visitors to:
Celebrating 100 Years of the Lake Pleasure Grounds
Why Illustrated Visitor Maps Work
A Flexible Approach for Visitor DestinationsEvery destination is different, so my maps are designed to be adaptable across multiple formats, including:
Thinking About a Map for Your Town or Visitor Site?I specialise in creating bespoke illustrated maps and visitor interpretation for:
I’ve recently been working on an exciting illustration project exploring the connections between Bristol and Hannover. The aim of the project is to create a visually engaging learning pack for schools, helping young people discover the culture, geography, wildlife and history of Hannover through illustrated maps, diagrams and storytelling. Although the project is still in progress, the majority of the pages are now complete. Creating a Map That Tells a Story
At the heart of the pack is an illustrated map designed to help students explore Hannover in a clear and engaging way. Rather than presenting information as dense text, the map uses colour, icons and landmarks to guide readers through the city. Important locations are highlighted visually, helping learners quickly understand where things are and why they matter. Maps like this are particularly effective in educational materials because they allow readers to discover information visually, making complex topics far more accessible. Turning Information into Visual Learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been transforming written research into clear visual explanations. Several pages focus on specific themes, including:
For example, wildlife pages highlight animals found in the area, while environmental sections explore how cities like Hannover are responding to climate change. Designing for Young Readers
When creating educational illustrations, clarity is just as important as creativity. The illustrations need to be:
Bright colours, simple shapes and clear layouts all help guide the reader through the information step by step. Connecting Bristol and Hannover A key theme of the project is the long-standing relationship between Bristol and Hannover, which have been twin cities for many years. The learning pack highlights shared challenges and opportunities between the two cities, particularly around:
A Visual Timeline of Hannover Another page in the learning pack explores the history of Hannover through a visual timeline. Rather than presenting dates as a long list of facts, the timeline uses illustrations and key moments to help students quickly understand how the city has developed over time. Important events are highlighted with small visual elements, making the page feel more like a story unfolding than a traditional history lesson. This approach helps younger readers grasp historical change more easily, as they can see how different periods connect and how the city has evolved. By combining clear design with simple illustrations, the timeline turns what could be a complex subject into something engaging and easy to follow. Interested in an Illustrated Map or Educational Pack?If you’re working on a project that would benefit from illustrated maps, visual storytelling or educational graphics, I’d love to hear from you.Illustration can transform complex ideas into something engaging, memorable and easy to explore.
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I'm an illustrator, freelance graphic designer and artist with more than 20 years experience of working on eye-catching tourism campaigns, multi-million pound bids, illustrated maps, company branding, personalised illustrations and more. Archives
March 2026
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Copyright © 2013-2026 Emily Charlotte Moran. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2013-2026 Emily Charlotte Moran. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.