Image Mapping: Cat Portrait City Map

I'm passionate about drawing, and this is my first instructable. For this project, I wanted to combine illustration with maps, exploring how an image can work when combined with a map.

So let's begin!

Image References (Photograph of the Subject and Stylized Maps)

Cutter

Pencil or marker

Cardboard

Choose an image of your preference. In my case, I selected a free image I found of a cat—one that reminds me a lot of my own pet, and also because I found it curious and amusing—the theory suggesting that the world map looks like a cat playing with Australia.

I'll use this image as the background to fill in the buildings on our city map. Maps usually have patterns that indicate structures or points of interest, so we'll use our portrait as a guide to fill in these spaces.

To trace, use special tracing paper, and if you still can't see the background image, use a backlit drawing table. If you don't have one, you can use a lamp under a glass for better definition.

You can also use a window in your house by sticking the two sheets of paper facing outwards.

When drawing, only trace the most important features of the image, whatever it may be that you have chosen.

While drawing, keep checking that the most characteristic features of the image are in their place.

I redefined some details of the image to give it more texture; I drew inspiration from the lines generated by the topography on maps.

Now, using glue, attach the city map guide sheet to the piece of cardboard.

I used a city map image found online (credit goes to its creators.)

I've attached the image I used, and you can also enlarge the map as you like.

But If you want something completely random, you can use this website: https://www.fantasytowngenerator.com/

Cut out the building areas. These areas are shown in black, so the next challenge is to cut out all these spaces to create the top layer of the map canvas/portrait.

What I recommend is to cut section by section; use the main avenues as a guide and trim in groups, carefully.

To make the cuts more comfortably, trim the excess edges, cut out the entire page, leaving the border so that it functions as a picture frame.

Now, join the two pieces with glue, leaving an internal gap to create shadows that will add greater impact to the finished piece.

You can perform this process with any image you wish; you can also modify the map or use one of your choice. Thank you for viewing my project.