Fantasy map illustration is the creation of a custom map of an invented world, kingdom or city that helps readers follow the story. Our fantasy map illustration services turn your notes and rough sketches into a polished map in the style you choose, ready for the front of a book, a website or a poster.
A good map is more than decoration. It tells readers how far the characters travel, where danger lies and how the world fits together. This service is part of our book design services, and it pairs well with fantasy ghostwriting and series cover design.
What our fantasy map illustration service includes
- Map concept and layout. A planned composition that fits your trim size, with geography, scale and key locations placed to support the story.
- Illustrated artwork. A hand-drawn or painted style map in black and white or colour, with terrain, borders, roads, rivers and icons.
- Lettering and labels. Clear, readable names and legends, in a typeface or hand lettering that suits the world.
- Print and web files. High-resolution files for print, and web versions for your site, newsletter and promotion.
- Revisions and consistency. Rounds of changes as your story develops, so the map and text always agree.
Who this service is for
- Fantasy and science fiction authors building a world
- Authors writing a series that will add new regions over time
- Authors of historical fiction who need a period map
- Game masters and creators who want a map for a world guide
How this service works
- Share your world. Send notes, sketches, a place-name list and any scenes that depend on distances.
- Agree the style. We choose an art style, a size and a colour scheme, and show reference examples.
- Sketch and approve. We draw a rough layout, you check the geography and we revise.
- Finalise the artwork. We complete the illustration, add labels and deliver print and web files.
Why does a fantasy book need a map?
A map helps readers hold the world in their heads. In a quest story it shows the route, in a political story it shows who borders whom, and in a long series it prevents confusion between books. Readers of epic fantasy often look at the map first, and it sets the tone of the book before the first line. A map also makes marketing images and special editions richer.
What styles of map can you create?
We can work in clean black-and-white line art, vintage parchment, painted colour or modern flat design. Black and white keeps printing costs low and suits interiors, while a coloured version suits covers, posters and websites. We show reference examples before we begin, so the style matches your world. We create original artwork, and we do not copy existing maps or the artwork of another creator.
How do you keep the map consistent with the story?
Before drawing, we list every place, route and distance mentioned in your text, and we check travel times against the map scale. If a character crosses a country in three days, the map should allow it. We also check names against your text so spellings match. Geography is more believable when rivers flow downhill, mountains shape borders and cities sit where trade makes sense, and we apply those principles with you.
What do I need to provide?
- A list of place names, with spellings
- A sketch, even a rough one, or a description of the world layout
- Notes on scale, travel times, borders and important features
- Any scenes in the book that depend on distance or direction
- A preferred style, with examples you like
Can the map be used in print, on the web and in marketing?
Yes. We deliver high-resolution files for print at the correct trim size, and optimised files for web and social media. Many authors also use the map as a bonus for newsletter subscribers or as a poster. Your agreement sets out usage rights, and the final map is yours. If you want a large poster print, tell us at the start so we create the file at the right size.
How long does a map take and what does it cost?
A single map usually takes two to four weeks, depending on detail and revisions, and a full set of regional maps takes longer. We do not publish a price list. Every project receives a free quote with a fixed price in writing before work starts, so you can plan around the full cost.
Can I add icons, banners and decorative elements?
Yes. Icons for cities, castles and forests, compass roses, title banners, sea creatures and borders all give a map its character, and they can be chosen to match your genre. We use them with restraint, because clutter hides the names readers need. We agree the level of decoration with you at the sketch stage, and we keep a clean, simple version for small screens and for print at a modest size.
Questions about fantasy map illustration
Can you make a map from my rough sketch?
Yes. A rough sketch and a list of places are all we need to begin.
Do you create city and building maps?
Yes. We can create city plans, castle layouts and regional maps for your world.
Will the map work in an eBook?
Yes, with a high-resolution image that readers can zoom into. We check how it looks on small screens.
Can you update the map as my series grows?
Yes. We keep layered files so we can add new regions and keep the style consistent.
Can I sell prints of the map?
Yes. Your agreement covers usage, and we explain any limits on fonts or elements.
Do you use AI to make the map?
We agree the method with you at the start and tell you clearly how each piece is made, so you always know what you are paying for.
Do I keep the rights?
Yes. You keep your story and the rights to the final map, as set out in your agreement.
Can you match my cover style?
Yes. We can match the cover colours and lettering so the map feels part of the same book.
Related services
- Book design services
- Fantasy ghostwriting
- Series cover design
- Book illustration
- Epic fantasy ghostwriting
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage