GREG FRANCO
Greg Franco is a freelance illustrator based in Brittany, France, who specializes in illustrated maps and travel-themed artwork.
Visit his WEBSITE
Check out his INSTAGRAM
Send him an EMAIL
CREATIVE STATEMENT
After more than 15 years of experience as an illustrator and digital designer, working mainly for the tourism industry, my interest for maps began when I checked one of my top bucket list items: exploring the World with my backpack on, which lasted 5 years and took me through 21 countries. On my return I decided to use my passions for the creative fields and travels, as well as my experience in design, art direction and illustration, to create a new path for my career and become a map maker under the name Le Cartographiste.
Maps are powerful: they allow their readers to travel in both space and time. They can take us to places we’ve visited in the past and bring back memories, or help us discover and picture ourselves in places we’ve never been to and make us want to visit them in the future. By doing so, maps help to share stories in a unique and creative way. And this is what my illustrated, practical and accurate maps, as well as my travel-inspired spot illustrations, have helped my clients with. I've collaborated internationally with publishers, tourist boards, start-ups, tour agencies or even individuals for private commissions.
RECENT CLIENTS
- Vanity Fair (France)
- Hachette
- Visit Napa Valley
- Visit Boulder, Colorado
- Terre Sauvage Magazine (France)
Q&A
What is your most memorable vacation spot?
I've been fortunate to travel the world for 5 years straight, backpacking through Central and South America (from Mexico to Patagonia), driving around Australia in my 4WD and camping in National Parks, spending a summer in a log cabin in remote British Columbia... I can't pick one, we live on a planet where there's beauty everywhere. But I'd say that I'm more into adventures than vacations!
What is your favorite mode of transportation?
Any type except planes now. I've had my share of flights and prefer slow travel where I can see the landscape go by.
Which do you prefer: mountains, desert, beach, or forest?They're all beautiful! Mountains are majestic and offer great hikes, deserts are mesmerizing and captivating, no matter the weather beaches will never be disappointing and there's something serene and relaxing when walking in forests.