• On The Map - Interviews with Cartographers 18

    Continuing our series of interviews with cartographers, this month we're talking to Francesca Baerald, known to many as, well, Francesca. She's known for her hand drawn and painted maps full of moody watercolor and detailed borders.
    We asked her 7 questions, as we will in each interview.




    1) Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background...
    Growing up my interests have always been focused on music. I played the piano and the guitar and I loved playing with my death metal band.
    School absorbed a lot of my spare time but I have always cultivated my passion for painting every time I could.
    When I turned 28 I decided that it was time for me to take this passion to the next level so I started studying illustration.
    After three years of Art School I graduated and began to get the first jobs as a freelance artist, working on book and CD covers, game illustrations and various kind of published artworks.


    2) How did you get into mapping?
    At high school during lessons I enjoyed drawing labyrinths and maps for my classmates. They really loved them and encouraged this little passion of mine.
    Since then a few years passed. My job at a warehouse absorbed a lot of time. I then left work and started my career as freelance artist.
    One day a client of mine asked me to draw a map for his game. The passion for maps and cartography reawakened in me and I didn't stop drawing maps since then.




    3) Do you create maps professionally, or for fun? If you've sold your work, how did you get started? Any fun/horror stories to share about commissioned work?
    I am very happy to have the possibility to create maps and being a cartographer by profession.
    I draw and sell maps on a daily base and I'm truly grateful for this. I have been lucky enough to have always worked with great clients. Well, at least regarding maps.


    4) What kind of computer setup/equipment/software do you have? Any advice or tips for learners?
    My maps are made with traditional media. Watercolours, ink, nibs and paper are my work tools. I really enjoy searching for the right nibs and inks for my map projects.
    But digital media is essential for today's work. For example I often use Photoshop to place text on my maps.
    Also I draw maps on A3 size sheets of paper. This means that in order to digitalize that kind of map using an A4 scanner I have to scan many parts of the illustration and put them together using Photoshop's 'photomerge' tool.
    The best advice I can give to learners is to profoundly observe the art they love. Look at the details, discover why that particular artwork works so well.
    Give importance to composition and learn the basics. Most of all feed your passion otherwise it will fade away. Tools and equipment come later.




    5) What are your favourite kind of maps or favourite map makers from history?
    Here on Cartographer's Guild I have found the best inspirations for maps. All the contemporary artists I admire are here.
    A part from Stephen Biesty that has always been of great inspiration to me. And of course there are some classical map makers from history that I love. Al Idrisi and Henry Pelham are good examples.




    6) What do you consider your best piece of work? How about your favourite, if different?
    My works vary from paintings to maps and it is difficult to elect one as my favourite.
    Most of all that's because I am never happy with my works. When I finish an illustration I think "Well this is not bad!" but there's always a tiny voice in my mind that says "That detail, you know, you could have done it better". But I suppose that's how it works for artists.
    It's a masochistic mechanism that helps me improve my work.



    7) Where can we find you on the web?
    My website is www.francescabaerald.com
    But please come say hello on Facebook where I post most of my work in progress.
    It's always a pleasure to exchange opinions with colleagues and enthusiasts!


    Comments 17 Comments
    1. Voolf's Avatar
      Voolf -
      Thanks for the interview. Your maps and paintings are truly one of a kind.
    1. Chashio's Avatar
      Chashio -
      Great to hear more about your experience, Francesca, and that is a fabulous new piece!
    1. Mouse's Avatar
      Mouse -
      All your maps are so beautiful, Francesca!

      Thank you so much for sharing your story with us
    1. DanielHasenbos's Avatar
      DanielHasenbos -
      Thank you very much for sharing your story Francesca! Your work is always very inspirational! (:
    1. snodsy's Avatar
      snodsy -
      Your work is very inspiring and always full of details. Love your borders and other elements that always compliment your maps. Thanks for sharing.
    1. Greg's Avatar
      Greg -
      Your work is always a pleasure to behold, Francesca! It's great to learn more about your story.
    1. Bogie's Avatar
      Bogie -
      Sounds like you put in the hard work to develop your talent. Great maps.
    1. FrancescaBaerald's Avatar
      FrancescaBaerald -
      I really enjoyed answering your questions. Thank you for the interview and your comments!
    1. J.Edward's Avatar
      J.Edward -
      You truly bring a wonderful and unique flavor to the world of mapping.
      I'm glad you found the Guild, Francesca, and now I want to hear more about this metal band story of yours.
    1. Meshon's Avatar
      Meshon -
      Thanks for telling us about your art, all kinds! I'm also a huge fan of Stephen Biesty's amazing cross-section books, I used to get them for my son but I look at them more than he does!
    1. FrancescaBaerald's Avatar
      FrancescaBaerald -
      Quote Originally Posted by J.Edward View Post
      You truly bring a wonderful and unique flavor to the world of mapping.
      I'm glad you found the Guild, Francesca, and now I want to hear more about this metal band story of yours.
      Thank you J.!
      Maybe it could be a topic for a future interview hehehe
    1. FrancescaBaerald's Avatar
      FrancescaBaerald -
      Quote Originally Posted by Meshon View Post
      Thanks for telling us about your art, all kinds! I'm also a huge fan of Stephen Biesty's amazing cross-section books, I used to get them for my son but I look at them more than he does!
      Hehehe Thank you!
    1. ThomasR's Avatar
      ThomasR -
      Thanks for sharing your experience with us Francesca
    1. tbgg's Avatar
      tbgg -
      You have some of the prettiest maps on this site, in my opinion - they always make me gasp. I'm still just learning GIMP and am NOT an artist. I'd love to see you put together a walkthrough of some of your techniques! (My apologies if you have some out there and I didn't see them!)
    1. Ilanthar's Avatar
      Ilanthar -
      Thanks for those interesting answers, and above all : thanks for your wonderful and unique maps!
    1. FrancescaBaerald's Avatar
      FrancescaBaerald -
      Thank you all!
    1. Rathaven's Avatar
      Rathaven -
      Your maps are amazing and the border details are well by no means are just awe inspiring. Thank you for sharing.