Project Detail: Custom Map for Burgess Yachts, FLIBS 2012
Client: Burgess Yachts
This custom illustrated map was commissioned by Burgess Yachts for their participation in the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The project demonstrates the effective use of tailored cartography as a focused marketing and client communication tool for a premier exhibitor.
The map is based on the same foundational axonometric vector data I developed for the official show management map that year. All work for third party clients is conducted with full transparency and prior authorization from show management to ensure compliance and avoid any conflict of interest, a standard practice I maintain for all such projects.
Design Approach: Clarity and Direct Communication
Created for use in client flyers and onsite signage, this map takes a deliberately clean and direct approach. It foregoes a complex symbolic key or icon system. Instead, all relevant information is integrated directly onto the illustration itself. A simple legend clarifies a few necessary abbreviations, while arrows and clear labels point precisely to each point of interest. This method provides immediate context without requiring the viewer to cross reference a separate guide.
The map highlights Burgess Yachts' primary exhibition booth and clearly indicates the specific locations of their vessels on display within the marina. An inset provides a broader geographical context, showing how this section of the show relates to the overall layout, aiding client orientation.
Client: Burgess Yachts
The Strategic Value of an Informative Preview
This map serves as a prime example of using an illustrated map for strategic pre event marketing. At a time when promotional materials often rely on aspirational stock photography, Burgess Yachts chose to provide their clients with concrete, valuable information presented in an appealing visual format. This approach moves beyond generic flair to offer tangible utility, allowing potential clients to understand exactly where to find the Burgess team and their showcased yachts. It built anticipation through clarity and set a tone of professional preparedness and hospitality before the show gates even opened.
This project underscores how a well crafted, derivative map can extend a brand's presence, enhance client communication, and add substantial practical value to an exhibitor's marketing toolkit.
For other examples of custom cartography for events and exhibitors, please visit my Map Portfolio.
WHAT ARE AXONOMETRIC AND ISOMETRIC ILLUSTRATIONS?:
Axonometric and isometric drawings don’t have realistic perspective. I use specific mathematical formulas to draw this way. In these images things further away don’t appear smaller and therefore have equal weight of importance to things nearby. My axonometric maps and illustrations are generally bold and have a slightly cartoon like look. This method of rendering perspective is commonly used in technical and engineering drawings. I began using this method of drawing as an illustration tool in 2007.
The difference between isometric and axonometric is isometric drawings are really just from a straight on corner angle but axonometric drawings can be from other angles. Most of my illustrations have parts that are isometric, but are largely axonometric. I have a habit of calling them all isometric, but I shouldn't.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Maps:
- About Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
- Bahia Mar, Swimming Hall of Fame & Las Olas Marina Maps: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
- Parking and Transportation Maps: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2015 Bus | 2015 Water Taxi | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011
- Broward County Convention Center Maps: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2017 Sailfish Pavilion | 2017 | 2016 Sailfish Pavilion | 2016 | 2015 Sailfish Pavilion | 2015 | 2014 Sailfish Pavilion | 2014 | 2013 Sailfish Pavilion | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
- 17th St Marinas Maps: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 | 2016
- Show Directory Layouts: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
- Video: 2013 54th Annual
- Illustrations (not maps): 2014A | 2014B
PORTFOLIO SELECTIONS
- Custom illustration & covers: Featuring bespoke illustration, book and magazine covers, hand-drawn maps, and building renderings.
- Fine art & murals: Including one-of-a-kind paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and large-scale murals.
- Design & motion media: Covering graphic design, plus video and motion and animated illustration.
- Mapping by application: Tailored maps for marine events, hospitality, waterfront, property, transit, municipal, recreation, and navigation needs.
- Additional creative work: Includes editorial covers, vehicle graphics, concept renderings, and public art.
- Mediums & formats: Ranging from digital vector and isometric projection to traditional paint, line art, GIS-based, aerial-style, and halftone.
- Software expertise: Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, InDesign, and Premiere/After Effects for motion. More recently I have worked with AI.