Michael A Hill Illustration

Passport to Love

2012-01-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

No, not a Mills & Boon novel, but a recent commission for the wedding of Holly Branson (Sir Richard's daughter) and her groom Freddie Andrewes. The bespoke passport had its own idiosyncratic crest featuring a llama, a flamingo, a turtle on top with some gecko's on the shield. Inside there was a hand drawn map showing the exact location of Necker Island, for those guests who mistakenly thought it was just a location from Pirates of the Caribbean. Our special crest was used again in the Order of Service. More photos of the wedding (and the passport to love) are in this week's Hello! magazine and website.

New plans for RAC Club.

2011-11-01T13:36:00.001-07:00

One of London's finest private members clubs, The Royal Automobile Club is celebrating it centenary this year and as part of the celebrations they commissioned Michael Hill to produce this lovely delicate watercolor plan of the Club House in Pall Mall, London, for there exclusive magazine 'Pell-Mell and Woodcote'. The plan allows members to see what is really behind those panelled doors and sumptuous drapes without stepping foot outside the cocktail bar.

Lucky Magazine does Chicago

2011-09-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

For all you un-Lucky girls out there, here is a chance to catch up on some of the best shops in Chicago as exclusively mapped out by Michael A Hill. The two Chicago maps are from a recent issue of Lucky Magazine and form part of a whole series of Shopping Guides to Great Americian Cities which have been appearing in issues throughout the year. There are some great places to visit including some fab vintage stores, gift shops and bespoke boutiques. Just follow the maps and see where they take you ( and don't forget your purse)

Green Wiccan Herbal now on Issuu

2011-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

You can get a preview of the book at

http://issuu.com/cicobooks/docs/green_wiccan
The book is available from all good bookshops or direct from cicobooks.co.uk

Classic, with an equine twist.

2011-06-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

The party organisers Kasimira commissioned a map for the wedding of a member of the Waley-Cohen family. Simple and classic, this map directs guests to the rural location close to the family home. My map for the Royal Wedding had added pelicans and this one has added horses because of the family connection with racing.

www.kasimira.com

Five Funerals and a Wedding (Map)

2011-06-21T01:58:00.000-07:00

Not strictly a map for a funeral, but for a group of family funeral directors, Thomas Greatorex & Sons . The company has five branches across the beautiful Derbyshire landscape, from Buxton in the north to Belper in the south. The main watercolour map on the home page of their website allows visitors to click on each company and be taken to their pages. On the individual pages there is another simple map to show their location. I was cheating about the Wedding map - it's in the next blog entry.

http://greatorexfunerals.co.uk/ ( not yet been redesigned)

Michael A Hill becomes new CSI

2011-05-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe not as well-known as Grissom, Haratio or Stokes, Michael A Hill is the new CSI(Crime Scene Illustrator) on the block, with a colour map for the new book by Wife and Husband crime writers Nicci French. Blue Monday soon to be published by Penguin/Michael Joseph is the first in a new series with crimes stories based around the lost rivers of London. The first story follows the River Fleet from its source on Hampstead Heath until it meets the River Thames at Blackfriars Bridge. With the hand-drawn map on the front and end papers you will find yourself flicking back and forth to try and identify the Crime Scene illustrated by London's latest CSI ( Crime Scene Illustrator) Michael A Hill.

Bespoke Handmade maps for Bespoke handmade Kitchens

2011-05-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Martin Moore & Co - bespoke handmade kitchen company wanted to extend the bespoke feel to their website so chose Michael A Hill to produce bespoke handmade maps for the information part of their website and brochure. The maps crafted in black and white line produced with traditional pen and ink technique added just the right tone to this upmarket company with locations across the country. The maps also included little sketches of the shop fronts to give them a very personal and bespoke look. Take a look here and click on the place names.

Lagom Design gets up close with Michael A Hill

2011-05-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

Lagom Designs, home of the map wrap has just published an up close profile of me on their website.
For those who want to read it the link is here

Official Royal Wedding Programme Map

2011-04-28T02:38:00.000-07:00

Michael A. Hill is proud and honoured to have been commissioned to produce an illustrated map by The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry for the Official Royal Wedding Programme and Order of Service. It is a wonderful feeing to have been involved in the Royal wedding if only in a small way and my wishes go out to the happy couple.

The complete official booklet can be downloaded from http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1G4db6de7f30814652.cde or itunes.

Lucky Is As Lucky Does

2011-03-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Leading US magazine publisher Conde Nast's title Lucky Magazine commissioned shopping maps of Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle,Chicago and most recently Las Vegas . I can only manage virtual visits for my research, but even these are interesting. Discovering new places I can imagine visiting and I sometimes wonder if one day I’ll find myself in downtown Seattle/Kuala Lumpur/Milan and spookily be able to find my way around without using a map….
Thanks to Jennifer Grant for taking time to send me the photos.

Museum of Modern Art get wrap

2011-02-28T05:35:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself in New York, drop into MOMA and see some of my work, displayed alongside Jasper Johns and Chris Ofili. OK, my Map Wraps are in the museum store, not on the walls, but look at this way – you could own a Michael Hill design for a few dollars. More cities are available now including Sydney and Berlin

Waddler New Wrapping paper now available

2011-02-21T03:21:00.000-08:00

Check out what The Folks at Waddler have to say about their new Wrapping paper. Read the comments and get hold of your own.

http://blog.waddler.co.uk/?p=71

Young Minds Awards

2011-02-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

It’s a bitter pill to swallow but I didn’t win Gift Wrap of the Year, though my Map Wraps were highly commended. I can’t pretend it isn’t gratifying to hear appreciation for work that starts life in my studio then leaves home, only to reappear in all kinds of places. I drew the cover illustration for Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham (http://www.siobhancurham.co.uk/library/dear-dylan/) and shared her excitement when it won the 2010 Young Minds Book of the Year "http://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Photo - From Siobhan's Website with Siobhan and the book jacket. Is that the bearded illustrator in the background?

IT’S A WRAP

2011-02-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

I’m delighted to say I’m in the final for Gift Wrap of the Year Award (part of the Gift Show of the Year at the NEC). I’ve been shortlisted for my “Map Wraps” (featuring three of my favourite cities, London, Paris and New York) which I designed last year for Lagom Design www.lagomdesign.co.uk. The winner will be announced on the 6^th of February.

Illustrations for Diplomat Magazine

2011-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

In the later months of 2010 I had been producing a series of informational illustrations for Diplomat Magazine based in London. The articles have been very interesting but still very dry and needed to be some informational graphics to help explain or highlight some of the fact-based copy. Piracy off the coast of Somalia, The funding of British Overseas territories, the financial crisis in the Developing Nations and the Danube Basin Economic Region. Maybe not your first choice of reading matter but the pictures look good.

Waddler Children's Clothes links up with Michael A Hill illustration

2011-01-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

New Children's clothes company 'Waddler' have approached Michael A Hill to produce wrapping paper for there online business. Having seen the map wraps produced by Lagom Designs they asked for something similar. The map wrap shows South America with a retro children's feel. Hopeful this will be the beginning of an exciting partnership between the two companies.

"Waddler is an exciting new childrens clothing boutique and its first collection is now available online. The clothes combine European styling in subtle tones with South American textiles and traditional skills The collection includes a full body wolf suit, bombacho trousers and delicate cardigans all knitted in 100% baby alpaca wool. The designs were inspired by the three years the owners spent living in South America with their little boy"

http://www.waddler.co.uk

Tatler view of Downtownia-the illustrated map

2010-12-02T06:16:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Tatler magazine will feature a fantastical map of the imaginary county of 'Downtownia in the Shires'. The map show with tongue in cheek the area in which Downtown Abbey is filmed and about the characters that live in the area. From the Middleton family to Andrew Lloyd Weber to Highclere the family home in Downtown Abbey (which I will admit I have never watched). Take a look at the map, buy the mag, read the article and tell me what you think?? Also look out for my NEW William and Kate's new neighbours map in the following issue of Tatler.

Michael A Hill maps nominated again!

2010-10-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

The short-list for the Travel Press Awards has been announced and the Michael A Hill illustrated book " Walk London" has been nominated in the Guide Book section. This prestigious national awards programme created to recognise excellence and achievement within the fields of travel journalism, photography and broadcasting.

Having been nominated for an award in the British Book Design Awards for '52 weekends by the sea' but not actually winning it would be great to end this great (in my eyes) year with an award.

The other nominations in that category are

- Australia - published by Lonely Planet
- Back Roads Great Britain - published by DK Eyewitness Travel
- Camping in Britain - published by The Rough Guides
- Marrakech Day by Day - published by Frommer's
- Walk London - published by Pitkin Guides further details of Walk London can be found on the website www.walklondon.co.uk

Glen Canyon illustrated map

2010-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, I think as I look at the pictures of Antelope Canyon, Utah! This is a special place, a place changed so much not by man but by time and the world it's self. Luckily I had been commissioned by Backpacker magazine to produce a map of the area, but exploring the area on Google Earth and looking at photos made this commission so much more exciting and I feel that this excitement was transferred to the map. Using the colours of the area which evoke the palette of the 1950's and a simple hand-drawn style made this such a memorable maps. The client thought it was 'awesome'. What do you think?

Michael A Hill illustrator for Romeo and Jules Stationery

2010-08-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

A while back I made the acquaintance of Jennifer Grant, at the time she was working at the BBC in London producing some fine publications for the Beeb. After a short time sorting out Harrods on-line business prior to it sale she found herself at a loose end, so this ambitious New Yorker set up a stationery company to produce bespoke stationery for clients who don't want something special but want something that is beyond special.

The company named after her 2 cats (Romeo and Jules) has recently gone online to show case her work. These lovely designs enhanced by the letter press process are not just lovely to look at but gorgeous to hold and feel. If you are considering having some bespoke stationery made then I can't praise Jennifer's work more highly. To see her website go to www.romeoandjulesstationery .com

There you may be able to spot some works produced by me, which are shown in the pictures above taken by Karen Thomas photography.

Hill of Crosses- Lithuania

2010-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have just been working on a map for Visit Lithuania and came across this great location in the north of Lithuania called the Hill of Crosses which is a hill that has been covered in 100,000's of crosses of all different sizes. I did a sketch of the location for the map but search the place yourselves there are some great photos of this location.

Shad Thames Map for Solstice Collection

2010-08-05T00:29:00.001-07:00

Recently I was approached by John Bird of the stylish London Concierge Services to produce a map for a property they looked after for Solstice Collection ( http://www.londonconciergeservices.co.uk/index.html ).Solstice Collection is the very exclusive, upmarket and premier destination Club in the world. ( http://www.solsticecollection.com/simply-the-best.php ). The map was to be simple, stylish, informative but at the same time a map that could be easily used on the local streets and folded up and slipped into your pocket. The first map of Shad Thames is below/above which the Solstice CEO loved and we are discussing producing maps for all there properties worldwide... no where shall we start..umm Paris, Florence, New York, St Barts, Napa Valley or maybe Costa Rica or Aspen umm ..............

If you have a property that needs a map why not contact us for a quote.

British Book Design Awards 2010-shortlist

2010-08-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

I have just heard from the author of '52 weekends by the sea' that the book has been shortlisted for the best design of an illustrated lifestyle book against 4 cookery books.Here is the list below.

Lifestyle Illustrated

52 Weekends by the Sea, Virgin Books
Miss Masala, HarperCollins
Rose Elliot’s New Complete Vegetarian, HarperCollins
Tender, HarperCollins
The Geometry of Pasta, Pan Macmillan

http://www.britishbookawards.org/2010/default.aspx

Hopefully the book with 53 of my maps will win an award and i can call myself an award winning illustrator again. fingers crossed

Welcome to Yorkshire, Hello to Turner

2010-06-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last week or was it the week before now! I received two enquiries from Yorkshire, One for a map of Yorkshire to show the new Turner Trail that is soon to be developed, plotting locations of Turner's painterly exploits. While the second was for Dales Life Magazine to do a walking map of Bolton Abbey and The Srtid, incidentally one of Turner's sketching locations, and hopefully a series of maps to follow. The news that week was about the 'Crossbow Cannibal' and my Bank Holiday was spend in a wet West Yorkshire with a visit to the Yorkshire Game Fair at Harewood House, you guessed it another Turner location.
I suppose the week before came close doing a map of New York, a map for the Wall Street Journal and a trip to see SITC2 instead of a visit to the Big Apple. Where in the world will I be next?

Afghanistan map for Diplomat Magazine

2010-04-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have recently been commissioned to illustrate an Afghanistan map for Diplomat magazine. A country that is very dominant in our minds but still largely unknown geographically. Hopefully the image which sits along side an article about how the allied forces will withdraw will shed a little more light on the country.

Illustrated Map for Clayesmore School, Dorset

2010-02-16T03:44:00.000-08:00

I was asked a couple of weeks ago to produce a map for Clayesmore School in Dorset. The school were looking at a new marketing tool that would encourage children to want to come to the school not just from England but from all over the world.
The school came up with a treasure tin that would include items that the children would like to keep and look at, included in the tin was the illustrated map show the location of the school its close! proximity to London and also show some of the locations students may visit while at the school. I await to see how the map looks printed and folded in the tin.

Book Illustration Samples

2010-01-29T04:07:00.000-08:00

I have put together a pdf of recent work I have illustrated for book publishers, this includes The Green Wiccan Herbal by Silja, The Green Wiccan Book of Days by Silja, 52 Weekends by the Sea by Craig Easton & Brigid Benson, Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham, If the buddha dated by Charlotte Kasl, A Guide to Good Housekeeping by Christina Strutt, The Garden Farm by Christina Strutt and London Walks by Gill Knappert.

You can download the pdf from the following link:-

http://www.michaelahill.com/downloads/book2010.pdf

If you want to know more about the projects or have a project you would like to discuss give me a call or email.

London Landmark illustrations

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

As part of a recent project on London I had to produce about 50 illustrations of London Landmarks or sights. These were produced as lovely little watercolour vignettes. These included such sights as Buckingham Palace,Big Ben and the London Eye. You can see more of them on my webiste by clicking on the places link.

Illustrated Garden Plans for Spring

2010-01-15T00:50:00.001-08:00

I have this week uploaded some new illustrated garden plans to my website. You can view them and all the existing ones by clicking on the 'Garden' link above.

52 weekends by the Sea-map illustrations

2009-12-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

Feel the tingle of salty breezes on your skin and the drama of wide horizons where seabirds fly. From the romance of sunset picnics in a Welsh landscape to the thrill of wild camping on a remote Scottish beach, from the flavors of the freshest seafood in Seahouses to the luxury of a hideaway hotel in Crinan, writer Brigid Benson and photographer Craig Easton along with map illustrator Michael A Hill have created 52 weekends that will inspire you. Share their secrets to create your own adventures and meet intriguing people in surprising places along the way. 52 Weekends is available in the New Year. - where will you be going?

Property Development Map

2009-12-15T04:24:00.001-08:00

Maybe things in the property market are picking up a little at the moment (hopefully it will continue) as I was commissioned last week to produce a map to go with a property development in Wimbledon,London. The property developers, Harepath Developments have developed a commercial site at 7 Elm Grove, Wimbledon which is being let as office space. Hopefully clients will be able to find the location with my map.

Michael A Hill Interior Design illustrations

2009-11-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

A while back I was asked by a Restranteur in Koln to supply some images that they could put on the walls. The Cafe/Bar was to have a Parisian feel to it and the images where to follow this theme. After some discussion we decided not to go for paintings but to actually produce 'wallpaper' designs that could be a permanent part of the design and not just look like an after thought. The Cafe is now part of the Koln scene and gets some good write ups in the local and national press. When in Koln do as the Kolnians??? do and visit the Cafe Flaneur, Friesenwall 24d, 50672 Köln, Germany

Passport magazine says"If you prefer sipping your coffee with a gayer crowd, the area around Rudolfplatz has much to offer. Right across the street from each other, Café Era and Café Flaneur are the lynchpins of the neighborhood’s gay caffeination. In summer both spots feature tables on the sidewalk, while wintertime points up their differences, from the deeply-hued and modern/stark look of Era to the French-themed Flaneur with its map of Paris scrawled across the wall. More coffee? More sweets? "

http://www.rhein-nights.de/pages/main/artikel.aspx?artid=10003542

Illustrated Book Jacket

2009-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, me again been very busy over the summer doing very little in the way of illustrations but have now got back to work again and at present illustrating a book about cooking with Cannabis. Called "Hash Brownies,Hot Pots and other Marijuana munches" it is a sideways look at using this herb in cooking. The text is very funny and relates tails from the life of Dr Hash and presents 30 delectable recipes with weed accompanied by amusing and sometimes mind-blowing stories.
The design of the book has a very 1950's illustrative feel with the cover drawn by your truly in a 1950's house wives way. The images inside also follow this direction and as it is not wise to fill up your photo studio with marijuana the book is fully illustrated.
Here's the cover for you to see while the book is due for publication early next year. Details to follow.

Wedding and Event Maps

2009-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

I haved decided to do some Wedding and Event maps ( weddingandeventmaps ) These will be available to view in the near future. So if you need a wedding map or event map please contact me and I will show you samples that I am working on at the moment.

The Green Wiccan Herbal

2009-07-02T01:18:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see the illustrated book cover of a recent book I illustrated. 'The Green Wiccan Herbal' published by Cico books is now available at Amazon to order. Having designed the book jacket cover digitally it is always great to pick up the actual version to feel it and best of all smell that fresh ink. I wonder what will be next in the series???

The French Paper illustration 2

2009-06-30T01:42:00.000-07:00

So the football season is just about to start the U21's have just finished there season and Wimbledon is just getting going (c'mon Mr Murray) I have again been asked to illustrate an article for The French Paper this time its about the difference between English and French football fans. The French fans are happy to poke fun at another regions wine while the English fans are more likely to question your parental status or your sexual orientation. I think i prefer to find out what Lyon's wine taste like than a Reds sexual orientation.

Design Directory

2009-06-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

I am now in the design directory check it out!

The French Paper

2009-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Holidaying in France at the end of May I picked up a new newspaper in a French Tabac in Malestroit, Brittany. It was the first edition of a English paper aimed at English people living, working or travelling to France. I found it a great read and informative on a mix of English and French news. ( http://www.thefrenchpaper.com ). So when I got home I made some enquiries about the french paper and found that i was doing an illustration for the back page of the 2nd edition. The article about lunch and eating in France and England was illustrated by this image.

Hopefully I will be doing some more for them soon.

This week i've mainly been illustrating -Afghans

2009-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Afghans - as in blankets and not dogs. Although as I mention dogs I have a different Tail(sic) to tell. I was approached by an author this week to produce a series of children's illustrated books about the life of a dog (of which Dylan Thomas jumps to mind) and when ever I think about Dylan Thomas I can see his boots lying under his desk, in his cottage in Laugharne, pushed under slightly apart and the toes pointing out and into those boots step my Grandad, Jim Ince a big, bold, rounded man. Red in the face from drinking more than his fair share of Indian Pale Ale and working on too many building sites before the advent of power tools. Which makes me think of how much craft and workmanship we have lost with the use of all power tools. Before the craftsman worked the materials with art and feeling, crafting, sculpting and manipulating the materials just as hand knitters do still - which brings me back to knitted Afghans which I have been painting this week. These are for a book by my again favourite publisher CICO Books.

Gardening zone map

2009-04-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what you can find when you are not looking . Searching some plants for a project I am working on and come across a Gardening Zone Map I had produced for Cottage Living magazine a few years ago. So if you live in the US and want to know which Gardening Zone you are in take a look at the map.

http://www.myhomeideas.com/myhome/info/0,30854,1817366,00.html

Michael Hill photographer

2009-04-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Do I hand a camera as well as pencil?

http://www.creativematch.co.uk/?action=viewflair&fi=3920

Haagen Daz illustrations for Martha Stewart Living

2009-04-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

This week I have been working on a garden plan illustration commission by Eon Kim Art Director at Martha Stewart Living. The garden has been designed to attract bees with a mixture of flowers. The ideas is to encourage bees into gardens which I believe are in short supply( not in my garden when I sit down for a relaxing glass of wine). The bee garden is promoted by Haagen Daz ice cream. You can see the plan and follow it to have a garden full of bees!If that is what you really want!

Three illustrated book jackets

2009-04-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

Book jackets are one of the first things people think about when you mention that you are an illustrator which usually follow the question "Children"s Books?" but my stock answer is generally that i do adult illustration followed up by 'of course not 'adult' illustration but illustration for grown up people'. So i am going to post three book jackets in different stages of completion that i have been working on recently.
Firstly, a book for Penguin Books that I posted about earlier and I am showing the final draft of the cover with some sample type. Secondly, two books for my favourite publisher CICO Books on the theme of Green Wiccan, the first book 'The Green Wiccan Year Book' published in September 2008 , here I show the final cover design and the last cover is for a new book called 'The Green Wiccan Herbal' by Stilja. The design is without the type. This cover follows the design of the first book in the series.
Hopefully my one follower will enjoy these as well as all book worms out there.

Illustrated Penguin Book Jacket

2009-03-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

Illustration students are nearly always set the projects to design and illustrate a Penguin book jacket, this is always difficult as you not only have to do the illuststions but decide which book you would like to illustrate. A difficult decision for anyone!
Orange covered Penguin books have always taken pride of place on my book shelves supported by the green crime thrillers (and maybe some white Picadors). So after many years of waiting and illustrating for different parts of the Penguin group I will finally have a Penguin (image) on the illustrated book jacket I am working on at the moment for Penguin in New York( thanks to Penguin Art Director, Roseanne Serra). The book called ‘If the Buddha had kids’ and is by the author Charlotte Kasl and is part of a series of books but this is the first to be published by Penguin.

Illustrated Flower Faces

2009-03-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

I was recently designing a repeat pattern for 'The Green Wiccan Herbal" and in the process layered the same image fliped on top of each other as you do. As I moved the images over each other the shapes created endless faces mainly of frogs and rabbits but Maddie Bee and I had a good 15 mins of fun playing with the two layers in photoshop. I am not sure how many different faces we found but if you have Photoshop or similar programme let me know and i will send you the image to play with. Have fun!

Book Illustrations

2009-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have just finished illustrating two books for the publisher Cico Books. The first book, was a series of step by step illustrations about how to make children's clothes for the fantastic author and creator Emma Hardy. I was really pleased with these 'how to illustrations' which I feel were made special by the colours and fabrics chosen by the author.
The second book was called The Green Wiccan Herbal by the author Silja this is a follow upto the 'The Green Wiccan Year' which was also publiished by Cico books in Autumn 2008.
The Herbal shows over a hundred illustrations by Michael A Hill mainly showing different herbs and food types used within the art of Green Witchcraft.
In addition to these two books I also did a few illustrations for a new book ' The art of Letter- writing' which is being edited by Liz Dean at Cico.

Peugeot

2009-02-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was asked to take part in a photo shoot for Peugeot cars, and talk about the differences between the French and the English. This was easy to talk about but less so the photo-shoot. On a very cold windy Friday i presented myself as a dapper Englishman dressed in Linen and Panama on westminster bridge, london to be photographed with Big Ben in the background and holding a blank canvas ( ????). for those interested enough look out for the Peugeot magazine produced by Specialist Magazines in Bristol. but in the meantime here is one of the pics. ( i have added one of my illustrations to the canvas.)

Michael Hill illustrates Qatar Inflight magazine-Oryx

2008-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

Having recently produced maps for British Airways In flight magazine High Life, Michael Hill has been approached by a Dubai based publisher to illustrate a travel feature on Rural France. A double page map (above) and a series of spots accompanied the article by Alexandria Gouveia in the Oryx magazine for Qatar Airways.

illustrations for German Fashion Company Hakro

2008-11-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I produced two maps for a very nice Fashion company based in a small town in southern Germany. The company called Hakro (www.hakro.com) produce a catalogue and wanted some lovely maps to fill the opening spreads to show the location of the shoots they had done in Berlin. The advertising agency and its director, Sven were also great to work for, very understanding and open to creative ideas from the illustrator. Hopefully we will all be able to work together again on another project?? but in the meantime Thanks Sven!

9 images by Michael Hill - Illustrator

2008-11-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

I am posting these few samples of work from the last few months so you can get a flavour of the illustration work that I have been doing. I have illustrated step-by-steps, maps, gardens, trees and many other things. The illustrated map of London was for Taschen books, The Pot Pourri, Glitter bird, and Pumpkins were for Cico Books. The Cottage was for Southern Living Magazine in the US, the Garden plan was for Martha Stewart Living magazine and finally the tree was for HR Management magazine. Oh yes, missed one- the cover of Texas architect was for you guessed Texas Architect. If you want to see more of my work then look at my website www.michaelahill.com Thank you.

Stevie Wonder

2008-10-01T01:29:00.001-07:00

Stevie Wonder what can i say, I saw him last night for the 4 and probably final time live on stage. As ever he sings hit after hit after hit then when you leave you think of all the hits that he didn't sing. For me the first la lalala la at the beginning of 'My Cherie amour' take me way back to maybe late 60's early 70's when i was just starting to listen to music on the radio and from then on it just becomes a sound track to your life, highs lows you name it Stevie Wonder has been singing in your head for all those years. For me and millions of others he has created the sound track to our lives the last 35 years have been filled with Stevie's songs. Who'd believe that a blind black kid from the wrong side of the tracks in Detroit could bring so much joy to people-does that at least give us all hope.
Thanks Stevie its been a great journey long may it continue for you.
The pic above was taken by myself at a concert in Belgium in summer 1981- never have i been so close to a musical genius.

Running for Charity

2008-09-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

I have in the past run Marathons to raise money for Charity which has been in the £ 1000's but now i am doing a more modest run and probably by the time you read this it will be completed but that does not stop you sponsoring me to the tune of a couple of pounds to help Cancer Research Go on press the button.

How time flies!!

2008-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since i last posted anything on my blog. The time has gone so quickly, so what have i been doing? Working mainly and as i like lists i thought i might add one to my blog so here is a list of the work i have been working on over the last couple of months.
Motor Caravan-map of Welsh Walk
British Airways magazine-maps of Spain,Literary festivals,music festivals and Island holidays.
Organic Gardening - map of St louis( louis take to the fair)
I plan of the PR structure at BT
Map of Italy for Food and Travel
Regional foods for Asda Magazine
I finish off a book for Cico Publishing on Tree top decorations ( roll on christmas again)
And started and finished another book for Cico on Green wiccan ( roll on Halloween)
I did a map for the construction company Atkins off structures in Scotland
Organic Gardening came back for a map of Buffalo NY
While a Casino in Sant Ynez California ( location for film Sideways) wanted a map of the local Vineyards
Taschen the well known German published wanted me to complete a large map of Paris and now want one of London too
CN Traveller asked for black and white outline map of the sardinia coast
While English Heritage asked politely for some maps of Roman Britain
Country Homes and Interiors have asked to do a series of step=by steps for there website which i must look at and get the link on here.
Martha Stewart Magazine commissioned me to do a garden plan
and
Firmdale hotel group have asked for a map of there new hotel in NYC-Crosby Street Hotel
and that is it except one.
A really really nice project for a really nice client in Texas which i should tell you about separately next time.

so i hope you liked the list.!

Wembley Wembley

2008-04-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning at wembley and what have we got instore for us. Early on the crowd is subdued but as kick off nears the atmosphere grows and the baggies are making more noise.I like many are expecting a tight game and probably few clear chances. Portsmouth defense is strong and attack is weak but time will tell.
First half over we seemed to have most of the play and the better chances we need though to get a goal to make all that pressure count. I think it will be a different second half.
Well its all over and wembley is a sad place to be again. A Manu goal 10 mind in the second half was enough and in the end the extra strenght and experience was on evidence for Portsmouth but then they are 6th in the prem.for west brom the bright lights of Blackpool becon and a place in the premiership hopefully.

Chic Outlet Shopping® I have it mapped!

2008-03-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Today I had a very nice meeting with Lolita Cortes and Julia Rush from Value Retail. The meeting went well but after I drew my attention to the companies website http://www.chicoutletshopping.com on this website my illustrated maps are show cased throughout the site from an animated map on the home page to a DVD and a flash presentation. Have a look how my work has been used then get down to one of the villages and shop shop shop!

Wiccan illustrations

2008-03-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

What is Wiccan I asked myself when I was asked to do some drawings for a new book. So if you want to know more about this little known religion have a look at this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca

So I am now working on the book and have some nice sketches i thought that i might share with you. So for all you christian-paganist followers of Gerald Gardener here are some pretty illustartions.

Bespoke Maps for Individuals

2008-02-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

I have discovered that at www.mapsillustrated.com you are able to commission bespooke maps for presents or gifts that are at a very reasonable price. These maps are not for use in publications but as pieces of artwork or prints to hang on your walls or give away as gifts. These start at about £ 100.00 for a black and white map and go upto about £ 500.00 if you want a full colour detailed map. They make a fantastic present or memory of a time/place, honeymoon or special place. Have a look and see what you think.

Dinner Time

2008-02-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I attended the Brighton and Hove Estate Agents Annual dinner with an invite from Barrie Alderton Estate Agents. It is always a strange place to find myself amongst Estate Agents and property people but with the guest speaker of Frank Carson the whole evening turned out to be great fun. So Thanks Barrie, Geraldine and Victoria for inviting me to the evening and farewell to Danielle Blakeley who has looked after my Brighton Letting Portfolio for the past three years, hope you have a good time in Manchester. For those who don't believe i can ever look smart here is a photo of most of our table at the pre-dinner drinks. Cheers!

Michael A Hill Illustration Wishes

2007-12-29T07:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2007 has now past and we are still waiting for 2008 to start but what will 2008 bring for me as an Illustrator? Maybe looking backwards into 2007 will give me a clue to what will happen in 2008. The main pieces of work that i did in 2007 included a book for Cico Books and The Chic Guide to Shopping for Value Retail plc. The first Illustration assignments that i start 2008 are the same so hopefully next year will continue as the last finished. It is difficult to imagine where the new work will be coming from but i know that new work will be coming from. I have a new client working for Martha Stewart Living magazine doing garden plans but never sure how long these commissions will last for.Hopefully 2008 will be filled with many new commissions and many new clients. So wishing you all a Wonderful New Year. mx

Michael's Genuine

2007-12-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

I was recently doing a map of Miami and Coral Gables for one of my clients and was asked to include a restaurant called Michael's in Miami. I had a look at the web-site and found that i would happily eat there on my next visit to Miami.The design of the website was great and the menu was full of so many interesting ideas. so if you can recommend a restaurant on name, web-site and menu this is the place. http://www.michaelsgenuine.com/

While searching things in Miami i came across another site that was basically a forum for people interested in type and now i can find it again, but i did find these images tat i liked so i am going to share these with you.

SEASONS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL

2007-12-13T01:54:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone, whoever, whatever or where ever you are in the world a fantastic and wonderful Christmas time. Peace , Love and Happiness to you all. The illustrations above are by a young new talented Illustrator - Maddie Bee !

Illustration for signs

2007-11-06T01:27:00.000-08:00

Today I have been discussing with a very nice lady from CreativeJungle about doing some illustrated signange for a Wetlands Park near Bedford UK ( http://www.marstonvale.org ) This sounds like a nice project that will allow me to get away from my desk to walk round the park. Hopefully all the details can be sorted out and we can go ahead with this straight away.

Other possible work is for a London Recruitment agency who want maps for there website which are to look like the ones attached below. Beyond that i spoke with a client who has the sexiest voice ever it is a shame that her accent has lost much of its Frenchness and gained nothing from her Americian. but hopefully i can work with her on a project for REDBOOK.

Creative Match Illustrations

2007-10-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

I have now taken to entering competitions at Creativematch.co.uk a UK based design and advertising site which runs free competitions each month for illustrators to show case their works. So this month i have grabbed an image from the files and submitted it to the competition with a little bit of artistic license if you want to see it go to http://www.creativematch.co.uk/?action=viewflair&fi=2437.
Or i will publish the image below titled 'If the Buddha Dated'

and please if you are reading this then support our sponsors by looking at there links on the side of the blog.

step-by-step illustration

2007-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Finally as I lift my head off my desk I see the end of my book project i have been working on for the last six months. Sewing step-by-steps are my new Forte especially after doing nearly 300 of them. The question though now is do I get the sewing machine out and start making the things that i have imagined i could make or do I avoid every fabric shop for the next few weeks. It is amazing how you get so involved with a project but as soon as it is finished you get involved with the next. As i am being called for my supper i think i will get involved with that.

Anita Roddick

2007-09-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say how sad it is to hear that Anita Roddick has passed away. A person who i had a great deal of time for, i only meet her once in passing but produced many illustrations for the Body Shop in the past. So I am going to wave you a fond farewell and hope that you can continue your good work where ever you are. I have posted this card as an homage to you.

AWARD WINNING ILLUSTRATOR

2007-08-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

So thanks to a map illustration that I completed for Baltimore magazine i have now been awarded a Honorable mention by the Society of Professional Journalists in the USA( Maryland Professional Chapter). I am not sure how to respond to receiving this award as i can't ever remember getting anything like it before but it is great that someone out there appreciates the work that i am doing, which in the end makes it more worth while doing it!! I will have to look out the image so you can see but in the meantime here is the certificate with stick on gold star!!

Holiday pics

2007-08-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Just so that you can see who is behind the keyboard here is a pic of me and my daughter Maddie on holiday in France.

more time off

2007-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

had a call the other day from an online media company based in the very trendy Hoxton square (Is it still trendy?) they wanted to see about linking up our services on certain projects with me producing the front end visual stuff (Maps in other words- sure i did spend all that time at art college to produce -Stuff) while they produce the back-end gubbins. Anyway it sounded interesting but I suppose we will have to wait til the right project arrives.
Also waiting to hear about book on ' go slow England' but that doesn't sound so promising at the moment.

As a distraction i have been back on ebay-a bit like drink i know it is fun but i also know it is no good for me or my bank balance but did buy a nice book for a fiver (inc P&P) about london lets hope it arrives soon???

Quiet questioning??

2007-08-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Illustration wise things have been quiet this last week. Why no phone calls or e-mails i have to ask you, please why not? I did get an enquiry earlier this week for a publishing company to do a series of maps of Uk regions for a travel/ accommodation guide still waiting to hear more about this, but then i think!! i have enough work to keep me going for a month why do i need new distractions??. I should just be happy that i have work going on at the moment and i look outside and the sun is shining what more could one ask for??.

Long Time No Blog!

2007-07-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I last updated my blog but luckily I have been away on holiday for the last three weeks and so been missing the oppurtunity to blog. So three weeks in France two in Brittany and one in the Charente.The weather wasn't brilliant and it was very tiring but it was so nice to get away on our own for a few days.

I enjoyed my first visit to the Cote Sauvage and maybe find ourselves going again next year. But for now it is back to work again. I have a book I am working for Cico Books 520 illustrations and have a few editorial jobs that may or may not happen but I am busy now until september starts.

Finally at home

2007-06-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

At last I have settled at my wooden desk again, pens and paints at the ready, and work to be getting on with or at least I think I have. My studio is taking shape, maybe not the shape that I would like but at least some sort of shape. I will post some pics of the new house when i get settled and maybe when the sunshines again.
Having moved has probably made me more unsettled because again we are putting down roots while for the last 7 years we have been moving and intending to move so I have always felt transiant(is it spelt like that?). But now we have settled i feel concerned and have been feeling nostalgic for the days gone past. Maybe unpacking boxes from 7 years ago also makes me feel a little strange as life has changed so much since then and the emphasis on things is so different, what with a family and getting older. I would so much love to capture some of those feeling and passion for life and art I had as a student, the willingness to learn and try new things, the inspiration you took from the most simplest of things.
So if you are feeling the same way too let me know maybe we can have a beer and wander down memory lane.(if only I could put that on a map)

lost in cyber space or not!

2007-06-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all you readers of my blog but things have not been running smoothly with my internet access and so havent been able to catch up on my blog. I have been promised broadband again by the end of this week so maybe i will be able to fill you all ib then, so sorry until I get back on line properly. Michaelxx

Wembley Bound!

2007-05-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well the football season is nearly at an end, for some it finished 3 weeks ago for other it never really got started but for West Bromwich Albion we have one match which will define our season. Win and we are in the Premiership, and everything has been worth while:-)))) Lose and we might well have ended the season in 16th place because we will still be in the championship and have another season to work hard to get out of it again. Admittedly we will win more games score more goals and be higher up the league in the Championship but its not the Premiership now is it????????
On another note we only have about three more nights living in this house before we move it feels wierd moving again but it has nearly always seemed more like a hotel than a home as we have always thought that we would be moving on soon and that is what we are doing and very very soon!
So lets hope for a fantastic couple of weeks witha WBA win and a easy move down the road.
mx

The BLOG goes live!

2007-05-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today has been busy, well busy for me, a trip into Central london, two meetings and a new project to start. WHAT! I hear you say I thought you were moving soon? Well I am and looking forward to sitting in my new studio working away on my new book to illustrate- SEWING IN NO TIME by Emma Hardy. I am looking forward to it as it will give me something to get my teeth into and also it will take the worry out of getting any new work in while i move and holiday ( and do the garden and start that DIY and do some sewing!) But today is is also the day that my blog will go live on my website thanks to all at www.pageworks.co.uk who have worked very hard and at great expense to themselves to get the website up and running especially as the Baggies are leading 3-2 in the play-off semi-finals. Thanks boys and Fixx

Balearics! to you mate!

2007-05-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

So I have been asked to do a set of maps of Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera to you that is a whole load of Balearics! But as the weather changes again to rain it will be nice to think of the warm sun on those lovely Islands. Not sure how i am doing them yet but something in the style of the Spain map for Value Retail.

My car is still at the car hospital about to fail its MOT and cost me more money but the house purchase is all on track so cardboard boxes at the ready and a load of old paper.

No new work coming through yet so i sit and think Balearics.

Where in the world today!

2007-05-03T01:44:00.000-07:00

Well that is a question i ask regularily, Where in the world am I today? Well in fact having spent yesterday in Llangollen (artistically that is) doing a map for someones wedding invitation, This morning I find myself in the Balearic Islands courtesy of Traveller magazine and Spainish tourist board. Not sure yet how I am doing these maps but I will get a better Idea at the end of the day. After that I am back to the uk to find out about local produce from around the UK for Asda Magazine. After that I am not sure.
Good and bad news on my Car it is finally being repaired with Audi paying about 50% of the costs but still going to leave me 2 grand out of pocket. We have exchanged on our house last week so will be moving in about 4 weeks, yikey that soon.

For the petrol or should i say diesel heads amongst you here is a picture of my engine :-(

Nearly there

2007-04-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

The school holidays are nearly over so finally I can back to work, although we do have holidays booked and then will be moving house so not sure when I will fit in the work I need to do. But things are busy! I got a new assignment from Traveller to do some maps of the Balaeric islands and had to re-quote on a job for Carrick House on Loch Lomond to do a series of plans, along with the work for Value Retail which might turn into a series of animation for there website. It will be nice though just to be able to sit down and work most of the day again, although i do have to sort out my broken car and cope with the trauma of supporting WBA!!!!!

Have Yachts

2007-04-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

The Have-Yachts, I love that saying, Its not about having a boat its about the complete ability to live a life style that not many people can afford.Why am i talking about this? Well I just got a commission through Kate for Capitol File Magazine published by Niche Media in NYC to do an illustration for the have-yachts section of there magazine.
Lets see how that goes shame its not an invitation to join the Ralph Lauren set in the Hamptons!

Driven to Distraction

2007-04-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

A visual for a piece of self publicity by my USA agent.To show an illustrated map in a different way while illustrating the saying 'Driven to Distraction' I wonder how this might develop as i do the final image!!

Easter Sunday

2007-04-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Easter is a time to get hot and bottered on the roads of the UK. This year we decided to visit Scotney Castle in Kent or Sussex.
The house once belonged to Christopher Hussey who I read many times when doing my A level architecture and when working on my thesis on Garden Design. It turned out to be a lovely place full of wonderfully romantic vistas, quiet walks and many visitors!! It would be nice to go back when the azaleas are in bloom as the colour will add a new dimension to the place.

Good Friday

2007-04-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today is good Friday, at least it was right on one accord! Actually the weather has been great and spent some time in the garden with the family the weather got to nearly 20 degrees- Corrrrr wata Sorcher! Mowed the grass, did some weeding, cleaned down the garden furniture and played football with Andrea, Maddie Frank and Irene apprantly the boys won 123456 to 123 I think Maddie need to learn to keep the score better. I also managed to finish off the Nigaraguan map for Outside as the Americians dont have Good Friday as a Holiday. I also entered the Map into this months creative Flair illustration competition.
http://www.creativematch.co.uk/?action=viewflair&fi=1971

Julie's

2007-04-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last night it was one of Andrea's friends, Saskia's 40th Birthday so I put my best shirt and jacket on and made my way to Holland Park-W10 to meet up with a few people I knew for the birthday meal. That was fun and caught up with one of my clients Tracy from InStyle who i hadnt seen for a year or so, but hopefully she will call soon with some work. A review of the restaurant can be found at this link:- http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/80762/Julie's
Square Meal another of my clients!

More Bermuda

2007-04-03T02:34:00.000-07:00

Today maddie (my daughter) has gone to A Drama Course which gives me part of the day to do some work!! Which seems to be pileing up at the moment but I'm not that bothered about it:-) Toady I need to complete the visual for the Bermuda map then off to Bicester to meet up with Clients from Value Retail.Hopefully that might bring in some more work? But I have three maps on the go over Easter followed by a publicity piece for my agent. But here is a map of Bermuda i found while doing so research.

Bermuda

2007-04-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

So it was late Friday night and I get a series of e-mails from my agent- Kate Larkworthy and the Art Director at Travel and Leisure to do a new map assignment for the USA edition of Travel and Leisure, a half page map of Bermuda. So time to find out a little bit about the place so I will let you know more about that soon.
Meanwhile I am working on a Map of Nicaragua for Outside magazine which is interesting to look a little closer at Central America and it reminds me of my Old friend Robert Tinsley who lives in Costa Rica who i really should contact soon. So Its Bermuda, Nicaragua and Furnace this week all before Easter on Sunday.

surfers

2007-03-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

So doing some research today on surfing (water bound not computer bound) and found some great surfing books at www.surfbooks.com so here are a few of the great covers that i liked off the site.

Nicaragua

2007-03-28T01:28:00.000-07:00

So the assignment for Outside Magazine came through and they want me to do a map of Nicaragua! Not sure that i have done an Illustrated Map of Nicaragua before, I have mapped the area and have done one of El Salvador for a Nescafe free trade range advertisement. So I have a week to get this done. So Off I go in the footsteps of Michael Douglas in 'Romancing the stone' or was that Columbia???

Outside Magazine

2007-03-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

Today I had an enquiry from Outside Magazine in Santa Fe Texas. The place seems familiar so I search for a map I may have completed already. But NO not one in sight, Oh well! Off i go to mapquest to look at the place and then onto Google earth to see what it really looks like!! so did you know That All buildings in Santa Fe have to be constructed in Adobe style, by decree.see the pic to see what Adobe is!! While I also found this sign from Santa Fe.

Standen

2007-03-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today we visited Standen in the beautiful Sussex countryside.The house designed by Arts and Crafts Architect Philip Webb with interior decoration by William Morris and Co. This was a wonderful house not so much for the architecture which I felt lack the strong characeristics of the movement but for the interior ornamentation especially the pottery which i found so beautiful and fasinating.The William De Morgan and the Ruskin work standing out for me. Along with this a collection of watercolours by some of the Pre-raphealites and other victorian artists. Altough early spring the garden was starting to show is beauty with some grat vistas and the obligatory haha.

2007-03-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

First Blog

2007-03-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

this is just a first test blog to get the ting to work!