Mike Hall — Map Illustrator & Architectural Illustrator, Valencia

If you’re working on a project involving illustrated maps, then Valencia-based artist Mike Hall needs to go at the top of your list of artists to consider. From vintage to modern styles, he’s an expert not only at conveying vital geographical information but also at perfectly crafting each map for his client and their audience.

These same skills are reflected in his intricately detailed architectural drawings and cityscapes. Growing up in the ‘new town’ of Harlow in Essex, Mike was surrounded by modern architecture, which caught his imagination. He’d map out entire cities of his own creation, and to realise this passion as a career he studied graphic design at the University of Westminster, later switching to Illustration for his degree. His influences include William Hogarth, Gustave Doré, Wenceslaus Hollar and the map illustrator MacDonald Gill.

Approach

Usually, Mike draws his maps and architectural illustrations by hand, before scanning them in and adding colours digitally. Some of his maps are entirely digital, using vector graphics.

Style

Architecture, topography and geography are the key subjects in Mike’s illustrations, and his style is driven by strong line work. He loves drawing busy scenes, with plenty of activity and colour, but always hones the style used for any commission to the requirements of his brief.