If a potential client couldn’t locate your business, it’s likely you will be losing out on lost profits. Creating or obtaining a vector based map illustration can make your business location easier to find, and it saves potential clients the time and hassle of obtaining a real map.

In developing your own illustrative map, you will need to first develop a clean legend key. The key will show the reader what different symbols, lines, and other shapes mean in your map. The key should be placed in an easily noticed area. It is often set to contrast with the rest of the illustrative colors so it is the first thing the reader sees.

It is recommended that you pick a specific set of colors to work with before having your illustration designed. If your illustration uses too many colors, or is not color coded at all, viewers will not know how to read it even with a legend. Assign certain colors to different key aspects of your map. Roads, for instance, might be several shades of blue while buildings could contrast with a red color.

You should not view your map illustration as a map- but as a method of reaching customers. If you look around, you will notice that every business has a certain brand, logo, or phrase that they stand by. You should include these things in or around the map illustration you have designed. That way you are creating your own map- not just duplicating a map that a viewer could find anywhere.

Maps become quickly outdated as new roads are built, buildings are destroyed, and environments change to reflect the construction of cities. It wouldn’t be uncommon to see a map only stay accurate for ten years or so. At that point in time when the map becomes obsolete, you can easily make changes to the map if your designer has provided you an editable map file. Ask what options you would have in making alterations so you can keep current.

Also consider obtaining a method of getting your map illustration out in print- but also for any website your business may be running. Integrating the illustration with your website will give you easy exposure to potentially millions of visitors. However, don’t neglect your region, and always keep printed maps and encourage clients to take them. In a sense, they act very much like business cards, only more subtle.

Closing Comments

Today the art of map illustrations can be done by a plethora of talented artists found on the Internet. You won’t have to search long to find plenty of artists willing to take on your project. Best yet, prices of illustrations have become affordable for even small businesses.

Learn more about map artwork and map illustration.