When I first started out as a full-time commercial illustrator, I took on a bit of everything: advertising key visuals, festive campaign illustrations, and brand assets.
The workload grew so rapidly that I eventually founded Studio Behind 90 just to keep up with the volume of incoming projects.
Deep down, my business instincts told me that for the studio to truly stand out, we needed a signature focus.
I didn’t expect, however, was that our true niche would end up being illustrated maps.
Beyond Geography: The Psychology of a Map Illustration.
Many people assume map illustration is just about drawing pretty buildings on a grid. To us, the real craft isn’t in the visual rendering, it’s in the spatial planning and human psychology.
Translating real world, 1:1 scale ratios into a functional, creative layout is a fascinating puzzle.
A great map isn’t an exact replica of a satellite GPS; it’s a curated experience designed to give people the big picture.
By setting clear general directions, it gives visitors the comfort of knowing where they are, keeping them from feeling “too lost in a space that’s too big” before they even set foot in it.
To design a map that feels intuitive, we don’t just rely on satellite views or architectural blueprints.
I personally visit the site and walk the points of interest.
Spatial perception isn’t just distance, it’s effort.
If two landmarks are 500 meters apart but connected by a charming, effortless path, we bring them closer visually on the map to encourage exploration.
When working with theme parks, resorts, or master-planned townships, we talk directly to the teams on the ground.
Visitors don’t want or need to see back-of-house utility areas like pump rooms or electrical substations.
We intentionally curate the visual hierarchy to highlight key attractions and landmarks, mirroring exactly how a visitor naturally perceives and enjoys the space.
A successful map doesn’t just show people where things are, it inspires them to explore and helps them feel at home in a new space.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of mapping out diverse spaces for property developers, city planners, and major theme parks.
Each project reinforces our belief that when art meets thoughtful spatial design, a map becomes so much more than a guide, it becomes an invitation.
Lai.
