A short post about new work

More Brilliant Maps - Granta

I’ve just finished a couple of years working on two books for Granta - follow-ups to the hugely successful Brilliants Maps series (Ian Wright) and part of a wider stable of map-based publications (Wild Maps, etc)

My part was designing and illustrating the maps - 100 in the first book, and 50 in the 2nd (which is a Quiz book - out next year). The first book is ’sort of’ out now in a few test retailers and has had some pretty good feedback and hopefully will be packing out a few Christmas stockings this year. Both of these books were written and edited by John Grindrod.

The context for both books is to present interesting, offbeat, imaginative and intriguing maps - hopefully to stimulate as much debate and investigation as they generate entertainment and imagination. We really didn’t want to present flat facts and dull infographics, but to try and bring the world to life. Every map is different, unexpected and hopefully engaging. There is a HUGE range of ideas, everything from Faberge Eggs to oil pipelines, driving ages, the progress of women in government to birth and fertility rates. Bringing everything together with a single coherent ‘look and keeping each map fresh and intriguing was a challenge, but it’s exactly the kind of work I like doing, and Granta were supportive and great to work with all the way through. My favourite part had to be at the end where I got to work closely with the editor (who, despite being based in Japan, seemed to have been on call 24/7) and the absolute delight of dealing with a production division who were calm, professional and on the ball (that NEVER happens!) It’s been interesting watching the debate on here about AI-assisted writing and em and en dashes - Jack (the editor) is pretty keen on them and mathematically precise and methodical on their usage and placement.

The first book is out now, with the Quiz book to follow next year. I have yet to see one ‘in the wild’ yet - and it’s too early for customer reviews (I’ll avoid them where possible!), but it was a great project to work on. I can 100% guarantee it will keep most kids (and adults) occupied for at least an hour while someone sorts the Christmas dinner. Just saying.

You can order online here and from plenty of other retailers, and a few shops are already testing live sales