Did you like looking at globes and maps as a child? It was just so hard to imagine that it was night time on the other side of the world, when it was clearly afternoon in my town! Maps open up our imagination to a world of possibilities! (Pun intended) Maps are storybooks that capture places, ideas and exciting adventures. Have you used maps in your art journal as a way to tell stories or as a visual overview? Keep reading and let’s explore the possibilities together.
Illustrated maps are visual storybooks that capture memories and allow us to tell the story in our own voice. Just as no one else has walked in your shoes, no one else can describe the path you have taken or tell it the same way that you can. You are uniquely you! An illustrated map doesn’t have to document a physical location, by using the same process, you can capture instructions, recipes, family trees or history. By using color, texture, and lettering, you can create a journal page that takes you back the to smell, feel and spirit of the place; or to bring an idea to life.
color is an emotion
Well, maybe it’s not REALLY an emotion, but it has been well documented that color has an emotional connection. I love studying color and experimenting with various combinations. For me, green is a clear, fresh color and it brightens my spirits the same way it does when I walk outside. I can almost breath the fresh air when I see a beautiful collage of green. This is the emotion that you want to create in your journal pages!
How does a color or combination of colors make you feel? If you are mapping a recent trip, think about how it felt to be there. Was it cold or hot, rainy or sunny? While you may not be able to draw or paint “cold”, you can create the feeling or memory of the chill in the air. Maybe you choose a monotone color palette of cool blues. Maybe you you only use black and white. Either of these options could very easily evoke an emotional response or memory of a frigid environment. A small painting of mittens or a scarf could be an extra detail that you add to your page.
As you plan your visual map, think about your color options in advance and choose them intentionally. Color is a powerful communication tool, so take advantage of it to capture your memories. While there are many, many books about color, I have recently enjoyed studying Color Harmony Pantone Edition. I love the myriad of palette options that are provided in this book, and the psychology of color section is always useful as an artist.
Make your page a scratch and sniff!
Wouldn’t it be fun if we really could create our own scratch and sniff? Maybe someday, but in the meantime, you can use texture, whether visual or tactile, to add that scratch-factor to your journal pages. Add texture visually by painting the smooth surface of a stone path or the rough texture of a dirt path. These visual textures don’t have to be complicated; simple hatching or a stippling technique can add interest and depth to your artwork. Don’t be afraid to try new things and to experiment. You will learn what works with your style and it will take your pages to the next level. And guess what? Sometimes it may not work! If that’s the case, paste something over it! This is your page and you get to make the rules!
Speaking of pasting, you can also tape or glue ephemera or papers into your maps. Again, if you are intentional about what you include, it can add to the feeling and and connection to the place. Save receipts, notes, shopping bags, or wrappers and use them to enhance the memories of your story map.
use your words
When my children were young, I can’t even begin to guess how many times I suggested that they use their words. Now, I’m sharing that same advice with you. But this time, I don’t really mean your words; I mean, use your lettering to make words! What do I mean by lettering? Well, even your usual handwriting can be your lettering style, but there are so many variations that you can try. Let’s go back to our “cold” example and think about a lettering style for it. Of course, you could go all out and draw letters that look like ice, but you can also take a more subtle approach. What if you made your letters tall and skinny and close together? Almost like they are huddling together for warmth? What if they meander around the page in a pattern of an ice skater? There are so many ways you can have fun with this and while they may not be obvious, they will certainly add interest.
Practice your map making skills
Now it’s your turn to use maps in your art journals to tell a story. Plan ahead for how can you best capture the spirit of place, an idea or adventure, but be willing to explore off the path , if necessary. Use your map as a way to open up your imagination and accept that the possibilities are truly endless!
