Renowned artist and cartographer Francesca Baerald is set to unveil a stunning collection of her work through an art book titled Unbound – The Cartography Art Book by Francesca Baerald. This oversized A3 publication showcases her intricate, hand-painted maps that have captivated fans of popular games such as Dragon Age, Warcraft, and Diablo.
A Successful Crowdfunding Venture
The art book is being funded via a Kickstarter campaign which has proven exceptionally successful. With several weeks still remaining, it has already secured over four times its initial £20,000 target. The book will feature more than 250 maps, showcasing Baerald’s diverse work across video games, tabletop RPGs, board games, and graphic novels.
A Unique Approach to Map Creation
Baerald stands out in the gaming world not only for her detailed creations but for her traditional approach to mapmaking. She crafts these maps physically with watercolour, rather than relying on digital tools. “I believe a perfect map should inspire players and readers from the first glance,” she expressed, highlighting her philosophy that maps should serve as captivating gateways into expansive game worlds.
Available Editions and Premium Craftsmanship
The book is offered in several editions: a Standard Edition available at €150, a Premium Edition priced at €250, and an exclusive Limited Edition for €2000. The Limited Edition is particularly noteworthy, being hand-bound using ancient techniques at Bottega dei Gozzi in Italy. Despite being 99 percent complete, the book is expected to ship next summer, with its design focusing on the size and quality of both the prints and paper.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.