Part of the appeal of fantasy franchises like Game of Thrones is in the immersion of their universes -- complete with political structures, histories, languages and geographies -- which helps to explain the impetus behind Dean Smith's hand-drawn map of Game of Thrones' fictional world. Measuring nearly 60 centimeters by 85 centimeters, the huge 'Game of Thrones - Map of the Known World - A1' gives a remarkable amount of detail to the fantasy series' landscape.
Drawn with fine ink and printed on cotton paper, this enormous hand-drawn map is meant more as decoration than as a reference tool. This is not to detract from the map's accuracy, however. Taking approximately 50 hours to create, Smith used every Game of Thrones resource available to craft as complete and precise a map as possible.
The hand-drawn map is being released in limited edition, with only 250 hand-signed prints available, showing that there's a luxury market even for arcane fantasy paraphernalia.
Granular Fantasy Cartography
This Hand-Drawn Map Details the Complete Game of Thrones Realm
Trend Themes
1. Fantasy Cartography - The trend of creating detailed hand-drawn maps for fantasy universes presents opportunities for artists and designers to tap into the demand for immersive experiences.
2. Immersive Universes - The trend of building rich and expansive fictional worlds, like that of Game of Thrones, opens up opportunities for creators to develop complementary products that enhance the fan experience.
3. Limited Edition Collectibles - The trend of producing limited edition and exclusive merchandise for fandoms showcases the potential for luxury markets in niche fantasy paraphernalia.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists and designers can cater to the demand for intricately hand-drawn fantasy maps, offering unique and personalized creations for enthusiasts.
2. Entertainment - Entertainment companies can capitalize on the popularity of immersive universes by creating additional merchandise, such as maps or guidebooks, to further engage fans.
3. Luxury Goods - Luxury brands can explore the niche market of limited edition collectibles inspired by fantasy franchises, targeting avid fans who seek exclusive and high-end products.