Step by step recreating the beautiful Island of Great Britain!

Have you ever wondered how a detailed illustration of the British Isles comes to life? As a Glasgow-based artist, I've spent countless hours studying the coastlines, landmarks, and character of Great Britain — and in this post, I'm taking you behind the scenes to show you exactly how I recreate it, step by step.

Step 1: Research and Reference Gathering

Every piece starts with research. I gather maps, aerial photographs, and personal sketches from my travels across Scotland, England, and Wales. The goal is to capture not just the geography, but the feeling of each place — the rugged Scottish Highlands, the rolling English countryside, the dramatic Welsh coastline.

Step 2: Rough Pencil Sketch

With references in hand, I begin with a loose pencil sketch on cartridge paper. I start with the overall outline of the island — that instantly recognisable silhouette — before working inward to place key landmarks, cities, and natural features. At this stage, nothing is precious; it's all about getting the composition right.

Step 3: Refining the Line Work

Once I'm happy with the rough sketch, I tighten up the line work. I use fine-tipped pens to define coastlines, borders, and details. This is where the illustration really starts to take shape — you can begin to see the Highlands in the north, the Lake District, the Thames winding through London.

Step 4: Adding Landmarks and Detail

This is my favourite part. I add iconic landmarks — Edinburgh Castle, the Angel of the North, Snowdonia — as small illustrated vignettes within the map. Each one is drawn individually and placed carefully so the overall composition feels balanced. For Glasgow, I always make sure the city gets the prominence it deserves!

Step 5: Inking and Finalising

With all the detail in place, I go over the entire piece with archival ink pens. This makes the illustration crisp, durable, and ready for scanning. I work from top to bottom to avoid smudging, taking my time on the intricate coastal details.

Step 6: Print Preparation

The final artwork is then used as a JPG file is then be prepared for printing across a range of products, from art prints to coasters and postcards.

The Finished Piece

The result is a hand-crafted illustration that celebrates the beauty and character of Great Britain. Each print is a labour of love, and I hope that comes through when you hold one in your hands.

If you'd like to own a piece of this process, browse my full collection of prints and gifts — all designed and illustrated right here in Glasgow.