The making of the I Was Here scratch-off world map

We start by defining country borders.

We need to choose how detailed the map will be. Deciding to stick to countries and capitals, as well as oceans, seas, large lakes and rivers.

Gathering information about major rivers.

Looking at the result.

Looks like a poor school atlas. To get inspired, visiting a library and finding a 1940 pocket map.

Experimenting with colors.

Some of the countries are so small that their names don’t fit within their borders. Deciding to write the names across borders. This will remove the problem of using a legend with numbers and increase legibility.

Adding relief.

Looking at the entire map. Still not what we had in mind.

Adding major cities. Deciding to use only four colors.

Trying on the silver scratch-off coating.

This top layer makes country colors appear too bleak. Besides, there are only four colors, which means that it’s possible for a traveler to visit several countries of the same color. Trying new color schemes.

Drawing the poles.

Abandoning the poles in favor of flags.

Deciding to add a list of all countries. This will make it easier for travelers to track their achievements.

Making a full list of countries and grouping them by continents and parts of the world. The color of the square under the check mark matches the color of the country on the map.

Working on the complex areas of the map.

To make revealing the right country easier, adding arrows to the silver coating.

Fixing errors found by the editor, sending the map for printing and starting to work on the packaging.

We need a sticker for the map tube. Drafting the first sketch.

The art director wants it to look more intriguing.

Making it more intriguing, also changing the name and making edits in the description.

A bit more edits and it’s done.