Creating Illustrative Maps for Invitations: A Unique Hobby That Earns $200

This morning, I checked my email and came across an interesting message from a friend. They asked if I knew someone who could create an illustrative map for a wedding. Honestly, it was the first time I had heard of such a service. I replied that I would look into it further to help them out.

After diving into some information, I realized this topic is not only fascinating but also holds great potential as a business opportunity. The price for creating an illustrative map can range from $50 to $200 per map, depending on the complexity and level of personalization. It’s quite a fantastic number, but it matches the uniqueness and quality of the art being offered.

Let’s delve deeper into what illustrative maps are, why they’re in demand, and how to get started with this business opportunity.

What Are Illustrative Maps?

Illustrative maps are decorative maps created with artistic touches to creatively depict locations or routes. Unlike ordinary maps, these focus on unique visualizations and aesthetics rather than geographical accuracy. These maps are often used in wedding invitations, parties, or special events, serving as elements that are both informative and decorative.

Why Are They Popular?

Because of their uniqueness. While traditional wedding maps are usually plain and straightforward, illustrative maps offer a different approach. These maps incorporate creative visual elements like icons, colors, and artistic designs, making them more aesthetic, fun, or even whimsical, depending on the event’s theme. The result? Invitations with illustrative maps that are not just informative but also memorable and visually striking.

This is why illustrative maps are gaining popularity. With unique and personal designs, they enhance invitations while leaving a lasting impression as meaningful keepsakes for all guests.

The trend of wedding invitation designs shows a growing interest in creative and personalized elements. According to an article on The Invitation Maker (source), wedding invitations with personal touches like hand-drawn illustrations are among the most popular trends in 2023. Additionally, Shutterfly notes that invitations featuring botanical illustrations—with floral and plant imagery—are increasingly favored by couples planning their weddings.

Illustrative maps are now often used in various types of invitations, especially weddings.

How to Start an Illustrative Map Creation Business

When discussing illustrative map creation, the question often arises whether this service is typically integrated with full invitation design or focuses solely on the map element.

Most designers provide standalone services, but some also offer complete packages, including invitation creation alongside illustrative maps.

For example, invitations might be designed from scratch, starting with text and map illustrations, or maps and invitations may be created separately and later combined into one cohesive piece.

So, the answer is: it could go either way.

However, focusing on the topic of this article, the discussion primarily addresses standalone illustrative map creation as a unique element within an invitation, rather than covering the entire invitation design process.

The following steps are designed for two types of beginners: those without any drawing experience and those who already have talent or basic drawing skills.

These steps will help anyone get started in the illustrative map creation business, whether starting from scratch or with existing skills.

Here are steps to get started:

1. Learn the Basics of Illustration

Start by learning drawing techniques, either manually or digitally. Use tools like pencils, paper, or digital applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.

2. Identify Styles and Themes

Experiment with different illustration styles like minimalist, vintage, whimsical, or botanical. Currently, botanical and natural styles featuring plant elements and soft colors are highly in demand, particularly for elegant wedding themes. Whimsical styles, with playful and cheerful icons, are also popular for casual events or relaxed wedding themes.

3. Build a Small Portfolio

Create sample illustrative maps for friends or family events. Save them in a portfolio that can be uploaded on platforms like Behance or Instagram. For output formats, use PNG or JPEG for high-quality images suitable for social media. If clients need scalable results without losing quality, provide vector formats like SVG or PDF. Additionally, explore platforms like Dribbble to showcase work professionally or Etsy to sell designs directly to customers.

4. Promote

Use social media, personal websites, or freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to market the creative map-making services. For example, check out accounts like “TheMapIllustrator” on Fiverr, which focuses on decorative maps, or “CustomMapsArt” on Etsy, showcasing various unique map designs. Target relevant keywords like “Custom Wedding Map” or “Illustrative Event Map.”

5. Set Pricing

Start by determining prices based on the level of complexity and time required. Offer package options to attract clients with varying needs. Detailed explanations are provided below.

6. Communicate Effectively with Clients

After securing the first or subsequent clients, ensure their needs are fully understood by asking in-depth questions about the event theme, locations, and design preferences. Maintain clear and friendly communication. Always provide the best service possible, enough to bring tears of joy to the client’s eyes. Ideally, this would lead to them becoming loyal customers for life (hopefully).

Income Potential

Now comes the thrilling and even nerve-wracking part. According to the latest data from the design market, cited from an article on The Invitation Maker and surveys on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, the price for a single illustrative map can range from $50 to $200.

This price range depends on several factors:

• The complexity of the design
• The level of detail requested
• The degree of personalization

For instance, in the case of a wedding with 200 guests, if each invitation includes a unique illustrative map, a price of $200 per map is still reasonable. In fact, some top designers in NYC and California can charge even higher prices due to the high demand.

Don’t forget to offer package options.

For example:

• Basic Package: Simple maps with basic elements, typically priced between $50 and $80, depending on the size and number of elements requested.
• Premium Package: Maps with high levels of personalization, such as custom icons or unique styles, with prices ranging from $100 to $150, depending on the complexity and details requested.
• Bundling Package: Illustrative maps combined with complete invitation designs, usually priced between $150 and $250, depending on the level of personalization and design complexity.

These package price lists are ones I created as examples. Adjust them as needed to suit personal calculations and preferences.

Market Demand

According to surveys on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, the demand for personalized illustrative maps has increased by approximately 35% over the past two years, particularly in urban areas like New York City and Los Angeles. People in these regions are known for valuing art and attention to detail, making them more willing to pay for unique products.

Tips for Success

Consistency and the willingness to keep learning are essential in running a creative business like this. While some might have different approaches, sharing insights and experiences can be beneficial for everyone. Sharing tips fosters growth among both beginners and professionals.

Conclusion

Talking about income from this online and offline business opportunity is invigorating—like a breath of fresh air. But the reality is that no business starts big. Every venture begins small, with challenges and even failures. It’s all part of the process.

If this business succeeds, stay humble, keep learning, and share experiences to help others. If it turns out this opportunity isn’t the right fit, don’t worry. Many other opportunities are out there, like custom invitation design, digital illustration, or unique crafts with broad market appeal.

There are plenty of business ideas covered in this blog that can be explored to find the perfect fit. The key is to keep trying, because with effort and consistency, success is always within reach.

Ready to take the first step?

Read also: Knitting in the Afternoon as a Money-Making Hobby.