Spartina 449  |  Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are among the most beautiful geographical regions in America and are a true gem of Appalachia. I illustrated a whimsical map of North Carolina's mountainous landscape and surrounding towns and landmarks. I incorporated a "woodland chic" art style into the illustration, creating hiking trails, mountain peaks, old-fashioned downtown storefronts, waterfalls, and national parks.

I illustrated the map for Spartina 449, an upscale women's handbag and accessory company. The full line of products in the Blue Ridge Mountains collection includes premium leather totes, purses and clutches, stationery, fleece blankets, and silk scarves. Spartina 449 products are carried in more than 1,500 specialty retail and boutique shops nationwide and abroad.

The Blue Ridge Mountains area incorporates the mountain area of North Carolina including Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville, Brevard, Franklin, Glenville, Saluda, Hendersonville, Blowing Rock, Pisgah National Park, Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Park, Asheville and the Smoky Mountains.

In addition to the iconic mountain peeks, I also peppered in local flora and fauna: black bear, elk, deer, pine trees, mountain laurel, and rhododendron. The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and fishing. 

The overall aesthetic is irregular and imperfect, similar to a sophisticated fashion illustration where elements are exaggerated rather than precise. I included hand-drawn lettering, dot-pattern textures, and a variety of scale throughout the primary and secondary elements.

THE FULL ARTWORK:

THE COLLECTION