Designing the Dickens Fair Map

I am frequently asked to create elaborate “birds eye” aerial concept sketches for various projects, but seldom am I allowed to share them outside of the assignment. These sketches can be of attraction interiors or entire lands and parks. The advantage of these types of images is that they speak to a wide range of disciplines, including architects, engineers, and even bankers. Like looking at the Disneyland map it is easy for the observer to dive in and imagine what it might be like to visit or ride this attraction. I am currently working on the map for the Dickens Christmas Fair, which is held annually in San Francisco California. To create the map I use the very same steps I go through to create a large birds eye concept for a theme park company.

First, I start with the plan drawing. In this case the event’s layout has been completely decided for me, so my job is to realize what will be there from the information given me. For most assignments I design this plan myself, but it is sometimes nice to have that work all planed out for me, then my job is to do the best work I can to add depth and interest to the final sketch.

From the plan drawing I will build a 3D version of the layout. This allows me to work out the relationship of the various parts and feel confident that everything is roughly to scale. The other benefit is that all of my perspective lines will be worked out for me in advance and I can move my camera to find the perfect angle in which to base my final drawing.

Using the 3D model as my under drawing, I will first do a red line pencil version of the sketch, which I will then draw over with a fine tip pen. I will leave the red pencil on the drawing and remove it from the scan in Photoshop. Once the line art is done I will move on to coloring the sketch in the computer… but that will happen next weekend.