Francesca Baerald, widely acclaimed for her fantasy map illustration for video games and tabletop games, is set to release a large-format art collection comprising more than 250 of her creations. Her new project, Unbound – The Cartography Art Book by Francesca Baerald, has garnered significant support on Kickstarter, raising over four times the initial goal.
Extensive art book from established map illustrator
Baerald’s reputation is built on her meticulously hand-painted works for major properties including Dragon Age, Warcraft, Octopath Traveler, Diablo, and Dungeons & Dragons. The upcoming collection is her largest yet, capturing both in-game and physical maps developed over the years for video games, board games, tabletop RPGs, and graphic novels. With over 250 maps featured, the book offers perhaps the most comprehensive look at Baerald’s artistic journey to date.
Oversized design and multiple limited editions
Art and cartography fans will appreciate Unbound‘s oversized A3 format, which uses glossy pages to spotlight the intricate watercolour work Baerald is known for. Pricing for the standard edition starts at €150; the Premium Edition, which comes with enhanced features, is available for €250. For those interested in exclusivity, there is a Limited Edition costing €2000—hand-bound in Italy at Bottega dei Gozzi with traditional craftsmanship, as shown in this video. Each edition is crafted to offer superior print and paper quality, ensuring the artwork’s full impact can be experienced.
Maps crafted with traditional watercolour
In contrast to many artists who primarily use digital tools, Baerald creates her maps almost exclusively with watercolour. Sharing her approach, she has said, “I believe a perfect map should inspire players and readers from the first glance. I see maps not as instruments to find directions in a game, but as decorated, welcoming doorways that drag you into the game’s world.” This painstaking analogue technique gives each piece unmatched vibrancy and individuality.
Though the volume is reported to be 99 percent finished, backers should be aware that orders will not ship until next summer. Thanks to strong enthusiasm and a Kickstarter campaign that has surpassed the original £20,000 goal by more than four times, with weeks still to go, the project is already viewed as a substantial achievement within both the gaming and art circles.
To get a look at what’s to come, check out the Francesca Baerald – UNBOUND Artbook Teaser.
In consolidating her most iconic fantasy maps into one beautifully printed collection, Unbound by Baerald is positioned to become a treasured item for aficionados of games, cartography, and fantasy artwork.