Libby VanderPloeg
British Museum: A History of the World in 25 Cities

Children's Publishing

Commissioned | Professional

Why did you make this work:
I’ve always loved cartography, and was thrilled to have an opportunity to create a book full of colorful maps, with the added bonus of having such educational value. My hope is that the artwork will draw both kids and adults into a place that brings history to life, and show how our past and present are inextricably entwined.

How was the illustration used:
This work was used for a non-fiction picture book of extraordinary city maps, telling the story of human civilisation throughout history.

How did you make this work:
The artwork was drawn in Adobe Illustrator using a Wacom tablet and textured Illustrator brushes I made from my own scanned brushstrokes. To create the maps, I used a mixture of Google maps, archeological site plans from the British Museum, and a mix of artifact photos and historical info for reference. The more ancient the city, the more of a detective I had to be, which was fun!

Commissioner Name :
Nosy Crow
Commissioner Company :
Nosy Crow
Commissioned for:
Nosy Crow

Social Media:
twitter.com/libvanderploeg
instagram.com/libbyvanderploeg

Personal Website:
libbyvanderploeg.com/
Agent Website:
https://wearesnyder.com/us


Currently Based:
USA

Biography:
Libby VanderPloeg is an artist and illustrator living in west Michigan. After studying fine art in Chicago and working as a graphic designer, art director, and even a cheese monger in Brooklyn, she decided to focus on her lifelong love of drawing and illustration. Her obsession with maps resurfaced, now through her illustration work, drawing dozens of colorful cities across the globe.

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