Maps As Art

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What inspired you to start your business?

The creation of the Maps As Art map shop came from a few things. I learned the basics of online sales through running an Etsy handmade jewelry store for many years. I also found myself drawn to home decor, an interest that grew naturally after purchasing my own home. As I explored ways to personalize my space, I realized how much I loved combining my professional expertise as a Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist with my creative side. This inspiration led me to launch Maps As Art, a business that transforms geographic data into map art.

I’ve enjoyed the shift from the structured world of GIS to a more creative entrepreneurial path and I’ve embraced the opportunity to craft meaningful and interesting map pieces that allow people to celebrate their favourite places in a unique and artistic way.

How do you describe your brand?

Maps As Art is a Canadian online store specializing in high-quality map prints and posters, transforming Geographic Information System (GIS) data into map art.

I offer a large collection of maps of places all over the world that feature maps of cities, regions, islands, provinces/states and countries in a variety of artistic styles. Customers can find detailed city maps, simple monochromatic topographic designs, complex geometric style maps or even ask for a personalized map of a meaningful location for their home decor, gifts or office spaces.

My goal is to help my customers celebrate the places that matter most to them – whether it’s a hometown, a favourite city, or a dream destination – through beautifully designed maps that turn geography into a personal and meaningful statement.

What’s your bestselling product & why do you think they’re so popular?

Our bestselling Montreal map is a tribute to one of Canada’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. The design is composed of thousands of tiny geometric shapes in a vast spectrum of different blue shades, forming an intricate mosaic of the city combined with the detailed street network and water-features. This map is a perfect statement piece for anyone who loves this incredible city. Whether you’ve lived there, visited, or simply admire its beauty, this print brings the magic of Montreal into your space.

What’s your favourite product from your own shop?

My favourite piece from Maps As Art is a geometric map of Vancouver Island, BC, a place I’m lucky to call home. This design is especially meaningful to me because the geometric grid was hand-drawn (based on the island’s topography), allowing me to inject even more of my creativity and artistic expression into the work. The colours from each individual geometric shapes were chosen from real photos of Vancouver Island – lush green forests, soft tan and beige beaches and blue-green ocean hues – capturing the island’s natural beauty in an authentic and artistic way. The process of creating this map, from sketching the shapes to developing the custom colour palette, was fun, rewarding and personal and I love how it turned out!

I’m excited to bring the same creative approach to some upcoming maps featuring Caribbean islands, using tropical beach, vegetation, and turquoise ocean tones to reflect their unique natural beauty.

What’s your favourite local British Columbia business?

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks because it has fantastic cheese, milk and it’s good to support local farmers.