NILS-PETTER EKWALL
Nils-Petter Ekwall is a freelance illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden, who specializes in illustrated maps, floor plans, and travel-themed artwork.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
Nils-Petter Ekwall is a renowned Stockholm-based Swedish illustrator / illustratör specializing in creating detailed illustrated maps and floor plans for a variety of industries and projects worldwide. His illustrated maps have been featured in prestigious publications such as Wallpaper*, the Financial Times, Men’s Health, and The Guardian.
Nils-Petter’s infographic-style maps and floor plans are used daily in public spaces, including libraries, theme parks, and shopping malls, helping visitors navigate and explore.
Notably, Nils designed a 58-foot-long illustrated map for an interactive digital panorama on display at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission headquarters, which visualizes a 167-mile water transportation system.
With 28 years of experience in commercial illustration, Nils has worked with clients across various industries. His unique style, which combines traditional vector work with intricate detail and love, often in semi-isometric perspective, with an infographic touch. Nils has produced memorable designs in subjects such as infrastructure, industry, travel, construction (including detailed cityscapes), sustainability projects, and future technologies.
Nils-Petter’s work has been featured in renowned design books by Gestalten (A Map of the World), HarperCollins, RotoVision, and Wondering Publishing.
RECENT CLIENTS
- The Guardian
- Trelleborg
- Resources for The Future (RFF)
- Malmoe City Library
Q&A
What is your most memorable vacation spot?
It’s hard to pick just one. Here are my top 4 vacation spots:
1. Via Appia Antica, Rome: This road is like a real time machine to ancient Rome, especially during bad weather when no other tourists are in sight.
2. Hanoi, Vietnam: A fantastic, vibrant city with an incredible energy.
3. Saqqara and Giza, Egypt: Unbelievable. These ancient sites are a must-see before you die.
4. Izu Countryside, Japan: such a calming contrast to the super hectic Tokyo.
What is your favorite mode of transportation?
Bicycle, for sure! With my fluffy illustrator’s assistant, Bobby, on the back and a coffee thermos in the bag. Maybe on our way to pick some lingonberries. Bobby is a Ragdoll cat. He is always with me.
Which do you prefer: mountains, desert, beach, or forest?
Hilly forest. I was basically born in the middle of a potato field in Skåne, in southern Sweden—flat farmland with fields of wheat, canola, peas, potatoes, and sugar beets, and not much else. Fortunately, I live near several forests today in Stockholm.