Hand Drawing Moleskine City Map illustration
The journey of the Moleskine City Map drawings began with a simple drawing in a petite Moleskine sketchbook—an arrangement for a special date. Little did it know that it would evolve into an expansive collection of over 50 Moleskine sketchbook drawings, showcasing cities from around the globe.
This creative odyssey started with a London backdrop, weaving through iconic locations such as the Royal Academy of Arts, the sprawling Waterstones Bookshop near Piccadilly Circus, and the captivating Photographers Gallery in Soho. A leisurely stroll down the fashionable Carnaby Street completed the picturesque date.
But it didn’t stop there. The Moleskine maps embarked on a personal project, each page of these sketchbooks marking the memory of European adventures. Some were holidays, others meticulously planned day trips. The mission: to capture the essence of a city’s highlights within the span of a few hours.
Dawn would see Jitesh Patel’s arrival, and dusk would bid farewell as he left no stone unturned. Sketching the city’s contours in gentle pencil strokes, he would then trace the lines with a fine-line Rotring pen. Every detail, every nuance, etched into the pages of his Moleskine sketchbook.
But it didn’t stop at ink; Pro Marker pens were wielded to infuse vibrant greens for the land, tranquil blues for rivers and streams, and subtle greys for roads. Each map became a visual tapestry, an artistic testament to the heart of each city.
These travel maps were more than personal mementoes; they were shared with the world through social media. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook followers were treated to glimpses of cities brought to life through hand-drawn artistry.
Yet, amid the artistry, culture thrived. Museums and galleries beckoned, offering a deep dive into the city’s soul. Jitesh Patel’s camera served as an extension of his creativity, capturing architecture, people, and street art as reference material for future works.
As the day danced away, the late evening signalled the journey’s end. It was time to bid adieu and return home, leaving behind a trail of Moleskine city maps—a testament to artistic passion and the love of exploration.