Methods of a Hand-Drawn Map — Anton Thomas

Methods of a hand-drawn map Anton Thomas, Anton Thomas Art Hand-drawn maps are less common than they once were, but their aesthetic qualities are as evocative as ever. Even for those who do not feel they excel at drawing, picking up a pencil is a great way to further connect with a visual task. This presentation will explore and demonstrate a range of techniques I have developed over the years drawing pictorial maps. With particular focus on pencil (color and lead) and fineliner pens, we will look at sketching, layering colors, linework, materials and tools, projections, maintaining geographic accuracy and more. I will also include some practical ideas on connecting further with the region you are mapping, whether through music, film, activities or otherwise—especially useful when travelling to the region is not possible. To feel more absorbed in the character of a place assists the creative process and has many positive spinoffs. This presentation was made at the 2017 annual meeting of the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) in Montréal. For more information on NACIS, check out http://NACIS.org.