For almost three decades Gary Hovland has been doing illustrations for the nation’s top magazines and newspapers. Mostly focused on editorial “humorous” images, Gary has also long been creating colorful and whimsical maps. For years Conde Nast Traveler and Germany’s Manner Vogue used his maps to reveal unique shopping markets in the world’s great cities. Now Gary is working directly with couples and wedding designers to create one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn and painted maps for weddings.
Q: These maps are quite charming! What media do you use to create them?
A: I guess I’m still a hold-back. I use a quill pen and India ink to make the drawing, and then watercolor to paint it. For my paper I use the archival French Arches watercolor paper –it’s by far the best for washes. And of course I work with the computer to scan the images, and if necessary make changes in Photoshop.
Q: Your hand-lettering is beautiful…but I wouldn’t call it ‘calligraphy’.
A: I’ve studied more formal calligraphy and use a variety of typefaces in my work…but for the maps I guess you’d say my style is “hand-drawn”. I think this is a good look to convey a hand-crafted feeling.
Q: How do you begin creating a custom map?
A: Well, at first I work with the client to get a feeling of how formal or informal their wedding will be. Then I have them define the city or part of the city that will be their focus – the wedding venue, the rehearsal dinner restaurant, reception hall, etc. I make a layout of important streets, rivers, and city landmarks, and then start to develop small graphic icons to define all of the important elements. In my recent Fort Lauderdale map, the defined area had no iconic landmarks – but I was able to define the character of the city with palm trees, tropical flowers and a dolphin!
Q: You indicate important streets and rivers, but it looks like it would be hard to navigate exact streets.
A: Depending on what the client is looking for, I will create as much detail as requested. But usually clients are looking to create a general feeling of where important events will take place. Most everyone today will use their smart phone to find the exact location.
Q: I’m wondering how the maps are used…would the couple include the map with their invitation?
A: Yes, some couples do print the map on a card and include it with their formal invitation. Other people send it out as a “Save the Date” card, and one bride created a beautiful “Itinerary” folding card which included my map and a detailed itinerary which I hand-lettered for her. I’ve even seen people print the maps on matching tote bags, for bridesmaids goodie bags!
Q: I’m sure people would like to know about pricing…are you affordable?
A: I love doing these maps, and they’re a good deal. For a custom map with maybe 6-8 icons I am charging only $350. If you would like to purchase the original watercolor art, I would ask an additional $150. For more complex maps, please just ask!
Q: Well Gary, how can someone find you on the web to contact you?
A: I set up a site on Etsy.com that showcases my maps – you can go to www.Etsy.com and find me at GaryHovlandDesigns. Or go directly to my site at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/105024745/hand-made-color-wedding-map. I’d love to answer any questions you might have!