It starts with a map.

Then another map. And another. And another. It’s Google Maps, and Axis Maps, and USGS, and Tall Craig's Fishing Report, and county boating clubs, and my brother’s fish finder, and, and, and… deep breath It’s a lot of maps, is what I’m saying. Just so I can bring them all into my design program and make sure I have the best combination of accurate and aesthetically pleasing possible.

When that’s all done, I have a file that looks something like this. I port that over to the laser’s software and begin the tedious process of separating the layers. The idea here is that we wind up with a fully 3D piece that is both interesting and artistic.

Once that’s done it’s time to head out to the shop and hang out with the laser!

Then I lay in the rivers and canals and other land details.

Then I change my mind a few times.

Then I pour a drink and stare at my screen for twenty minutes while I wonder what I’m doing with my life.

Then I double check that the rivers are accurate.

Then I give up and go play Minecraft for a while - where I spend a fair amount of time mapping my surroundings because hyperfixation is a thing.

I cut everything from 2mm recycled cardboard to start with. That way I can be absolutely sure that my finished product is going to be what I want it to be.

If this is a custom piece, then this is where the client is sent some progress shots to make sure our expectations are lining up correctly.

Once the design is finalized I cut it out of high quality, zero-void Birch plywood. Then all that’s left is staining and assembly, then finish with a few coats of a good polyurethane for its protection, and in just a few days your new piece will be on its way to you.