Client: Metropolitan Magazine
Commissioned by: Cedar Communications
Design & Illustration: Jitesh Patel
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Category: Travel Editorial Illustration
Overview
Metropolitan Magazine, the in-house publication for Eurostar, commissioned a bespoke illustrated map of Amsterdam for a special travel feature. Working in collaboration with Cedar Communications, the brief called for a vibrant and distinctive map that would guide readers beyond the usual tourist routes—highlighting cultural landmarks, local favourites, and hidden gems across the Dutch capital.
Approach
The brief was to create an engaging and functional illustration that blended editorial storytelling with aesthetic charm. The goal was to capture the soul of Amsterdam while offering a user-friendly guide through its lesser-known attractions.
The project began with a series of finely drawn ink spot illustrations, each carefully researched and crafted to reflect the unique character of the location. These were combined with a hand-rendered street layout of the city to create an authentic and immersive sense of place.
Typography was thoughtfully integrated into the artwork. Location names were hand-lettered and placed in context, while the map’s title, “Amsterdam,” was scripted in an elegant font style, giving the piece a refined finishing touch.
Design Details
Each location chosen for the map was curated in consultation with the editorial team, ensuring a diverse mix of culinary, artistic, and cultural highlights:
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Viscafé Gouden Hoek – A local seafood gem near Westermarkt, known for its oyster menu and refined fish and chips.
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Rijksmuseum – A grand museum housing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
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Van Gogh Museum – A tribute to one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artists, located fittingly next to the Rijksmuseum.
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Museum Van Loon – A 17th-century canal house turned museum, showcasing aristocratic interiors and a formal garden.
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Papeneiland Café – A cosy waterside café in the Jordaan district, famed for its apple pie and welcoming atmosphere.
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De Hallen – A converted Victorian tram depot in Oud-West, now a bustling food market, cinema, and shopping arcade.
Outcome
The final artwork was published in Metropolitan Magazine, serving as both a functional travel guide and a visually compelling feature. The map successfully drew readers into Amsterdam’s lesser-known corners, offering a curated lens through which to experience the city’s rich cultural landscape.
This project exemplifies the power of illustration to inform, inspire, and elevate editorial content—transforming traditional maps into memorable storytelling tools.
