3-minute read
Camino de Santiago Map, I was delighted to be commissioned by Decanter magazine to illustrate a double-page map for their feature on the Camino de Santiago – a historic pilgrimage route that winds through northern Spain, rich in architectural splendour, food, and of course, wine.
Like many of my illustration projects, this one began with the elegance of a black-and-white line drawing. I always start here – it’s my anchor. I hand-draw each landmark using fine liners, focusing on the intricate architectural details that give cities like León, Burgos, and Santiago de Compostela their unique character. From the gothic spires of Burgos Cathedral to the Baroque majesty of the Cathedral of Santiago, capturing these icons faithfully (yet stylistically) was key to grounding the piece.
Once complete, I scanned the inked drawings and moved into the digital phase – composing the map in Photoshop. This stage is a blend of design and choreography: arranging landmarks, layering in food illustrations, and threading the path of the Camino in a way that flowed visually across the spread while staying true to the geography.
The brief called for each city to be represented by both its iconic cathedral and a local dish. I paired Logroño’s lively Calle Laurel with plates of sizzling champiñones and a bold Rioja. León came to life with its cathedral and cecina (cured beef), while Santiago de Compostela was framed by backpacks in front of the final destination and the traditional dish of pulpo á feira.
To evoke the atmosphere of the route, I introduced pilgrims walking along the path, vineyards heavy with grapes, and even the Bay of Biscay glinting along the northern edge. These small details create rhythm, giving the map more than just direction – they give it life.
As with any editorial commission, there’s a collaborative process. Patrick and the team at Decanter were brilliant to work with, providing clear references and helpful feedback throughout. We fine-tuned the layout, repositioned some elements for page gutter spacing, and left space for the editorial heading and intro text at the top. The challenge was making everything feel cohesive without overwhelming the viewer, especially across a double-page spread with a central gutter.
Illustrating the Camino for Decanter was a joy – a journey through Spain’s cultural and culinary treasures, told one illustrated step at a time.
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