How to Create Food Map Illustration for the New Eater Cookbook: EATERLAND
- Yoko Baum
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
From pencil sketch to the final map of the Pacific Northwest—bringing Eaterland to life!
The Best Kind of Surprise
I’m so excited to finally share a project that has been close to my heart for the last year. I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Eater and Abrams Books on their second cookbook, titled EATERLAND.
As a food illustrator based in Portland, Oregon who also loves to try out local foods whenever I travel to other states, getting the call to help visually define regional American cuisine was a "pinch-me" moment. This project was a big one: 2 full-page food maps (End Papers) that wrap the whole book, 8 chapter openers (they are map illustrations, also) representing different U.S. regions, and 38 spot illustrations of local ingredients and dishes. It was a whirlwind of creativity, and I loved every minute of it!
The Challenge: So Much Beauty, So Little Space! How to Create Food Map Illustration for Cookbook
My main mission was to blend geography with "crave-ability." While there were suggestions for specific ingredients for the spot illustrations, for the food map illustrations, I needed to weave together major highways, mountain ranges, local animals, and iconic national parks with the star of the show—the food!
The hardest part? Deciding which iconic 'symbol' to pick for each region. This country is so vast and beautiful, it felt almost impossible to choose just one thing!
For the Pacific Northwest (Chapter 1), should I focus on the towering evergreens, the rugged coast, or a perfect piece of salmon? For the Southwest (Chapter 2), do I go with a desert cactus or our famous national parks?
So, How to create food map illustration for cookbook, I approached these maps like a storyteller. I wanted the reader to feel like they were on a road trip, discovering the colors and textures of each landscape. My goal was to create a sense of handcrafted warmth that makes the reader want to jump right into the page and start cooking.
Behind the Scenes: Working As a Food Illustrator
With over 48 illustrations and a tight deadline, staying organized was key! We started with a test batch of 5 items to make sure the Eater team and I were perfectly aligned on the style.
This is such an important part of the process. It’s where we find that "sweet spot" between my playful, vibrant style and the book’s overall vision. Once we locked in the look, I dived into the rest—painting everything from intricate culinary details to regional treasures like a classic New York-style lox and bagel spread, tropical Hawaiian favorites, and iconic coastal sweets.
Managing a high-volume project like this requires a lot of heart and a lot of lists! But seeing all these pieces come together to celebrate food culture across the country made every late night worth it.
Pre-Order Cookbook EATERLAND
EATERLAND releases April 28! You can pre-order your copy from Abrams Books and use code EATERBOOKS40 for 40% off. Get your copy here: Abrams Books.
Let’s Create Something Delicious Together!
Whether it’s a massive cookbook or a single spot illustration for a local brand, I truly believe that art has the power to connect us to the food we love.
If you’re looking for a food and lifestyle illustrator to bring your next project to life with a bit of joy and personality, I’d love to hear from you! Let's make something beautiful together.
About the Artist
Hi, I’m Yoko Baum! 👋
I’m a Portland, Oregon-based Food & Lifestyle Illustrator dedicated to bringing culinary stories to life through my bold, vibrant, and iterative process. From editorial features to cookbook projects, I specialize in creating warm, inviting visuals that celebrate the joy of food and the beauty of everyone's everyday moments.
🌿 Based in Portland, Oregon |
Available for Commissions Worldwide
March, 26, 2025
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