Typically, the process of map illustration begins with a standard atlas. I trace the land mass, roads and rivers, mountains and borders in pencil, and add the particulars of the client's project. After approval of a first draft, I draw in ink, or paint in watercolor, usually adding calligraphic place names. I scan the drawing or painting into Photoshop, where the digital tools make it easy to modify the image.
I may add more place names in a digital font, add "icons" of landmarks that were painted separately, and make adjustments to the composition. After the client approves this draft, I submit a high resolution file, suitable for any print or online use.
I enjoy varying my style from loose and free to tight detail, as the project calls for.
Aside from maps, I am also available for any sort of illustration need. I have especially enjoyed working with scientists to make visual enhancements of their text.

Here's an example of how a map progresses from the first draft to final. This is a detail of the fictional town of Airenchester, England in the 1770s. I have the experience in history and geography to imagine how the town would grow along its river.

Here is a testimonial from Jennifer A. Doudna and Sam Sternberg, co-authors of A Crack in Creation:
"We were extremely lucky to nail down a fantastic artist for the book and are grateful for all the hard work that Jeff Mathison put into bringing to life some tricky scientific concepts with his beautiful ink drawings."
See the DNA editing illustration below.

For "Battle Green", a book about a Vietnam Veterans Against the War protest march in 1971, I completed six maps illustrating their progress from Concord, MA to Boston. See the final map in the gallery below. 
​Here's what the author, Elise Lemire, had to say: "I can't thank you enough.  These maps say so much and thereby make a very significant contribution to my book.  I'm beyond thrilled." 

For a look at more of my illustration examples. please visit Hire an Illustrator.