Illustrated Maps by Masako Kubo | Tokyo (JAP)

Knowing us well means you understand our excitement for illustrated cartography. On a recent web wander we came across these beautifully hand drawn maps by Masako Kudo. Masako is a illustrator based in Tokyo (Japan) and having received a non-art related BA degree as well as worked for a Tokyo ad agency, Masako studied illustration at the University College Falmouth. Since then Masako illustrations has graced many publications such as the Wall Street Journal Magazine and national newspapers including The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent.

Masako certainly seem influenced by the original story telling style of traditional Japanese illustration, capturing your imagination and sense of exploration in the cities she draws. The use of subtle shading and a delicate colour palette makes Masako’s drawing easy on the eye while remaining helpful and offer a sense of Masako’s own taste in adventuring a new or familiar city.

Tool Badges by Catherine Chialton | Manchester (UK)

Manchester (UK) based illustrator and designer Catherine Chialton presents work that’s inspired generally by science, nature and food. One of her recent ventures sees her create a series of laser cut wooden brooches of everyday tools. The tool badges include a ruler (55mm x 13mm), torch (30mm x 9mm), log (30mm x 16mm), Knot (30mm x 12mm, rope (11mm x 35mm) and hatchet (45mm x 35mm) all of which as are varnished and have red hand painted reverses.

Visit Catherine’s webshop ‘The Vacation in the North’ for a closer took as these neat wooden badges.