“Macbeth and the Witches,” Macbeth, 1880. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive by Michael John Goodman)

It is commonly said that William Shakespeare‘s works cannot be fully appreciated until they are performed on stage, as the thirty-eight plays by “The Bard” were meant to be seen. Actors trained to convey the pain of Romeo upon finding Juliet in the tomb, the strange humor of the woodland characters who frolic on a Midsummer Night, and the cold cunning of Lady Macbeth. Dramatic monologues, such as Hamlet to the skull must be said in proper cadence.

While reading Shakespeare's works is still a thrilling experience for literary fiends, illustrations can help bring a little of the stage's magic to the page. Michael John Goodman—who describes himself as an “independent researcher, writer, educator, curator and image-maker”—has made this magic easy no matter what edition you have. His Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive collects over 3,000 illustrations from 19th-century British editions of Shakespeare’s Complete Works.

Peruse the website however you wish, whether by play or by historic edition. The latter include those edited by Charles Knight, Kenny Meadows, John Tallis, and others. Many illustrators and engravers are also represented. The works span the Victorian period, a segment of British history that roughly tracks the lifespan of one of Britain's longest-living monarchs.

Goodman has developed an innovative way to search the archive. He has created word clouds describing the subjects of the illustrations. Find “animals,” “crowns,” “death,” and your favorite characters. This immersive experience can show you how the Victorians imagine life in Elizabethan London or ancient Egypt, with varying accuracy and cultural awareness.

The artists responsible for these historic sketches conveyed emotion in each face using different artistic styles, some more Romantic, others like a children's book to modern eyes. Check out a collection of wood engravings, or browse, and you will notice that famous actors of the day were shown in their roles. They are depicted through a process known as photogravure plates. In this process, a negative is essentially transferred to a copper plate through a delicate operation that then allows for mass printing. The Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive is not just a window into Shakespeare but also a glimpse into how people have read, admired, and interpreted his work over the centuries.

Aggregated by Michael John Goodman, the Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive is an enchanting collection of illustrations from prominent British Victorian editions of Shakespeare’s Complete Works.

“Cleopatra, Charmian and the Death of Iras,” Antony and Cleopatra, Illustrated by H. C. Selous and engraved by Frederick Wentworth, 1860s. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive
by Michael John Goodman)

Check out Hamlet, Macbeth, Henry VIII, and more notable characters from The Bard's works.

“Mr. George Bennett as King Henry the Eighth,” from Henry VIII, From a Daguerreotype by Paine of Islington, 1850. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive
by Michael John Goodman)

“Titania and Bottom,” A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1880. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive
by Michael John Goodman)

“Garrick as Richard 3rd,” Richard III, illustrated by Hogarth and engraved by Porthbury, 1850. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive by Michael John Goodman)

“Hamlet Full Page Introductory Illustration,” Hamlet, Illustrated by H. C. Selous and engraved by Frederick Wentworth, 1860s. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive by Michael John Goodman)

“You Spotted Snakes (II),” A Midsummer Night's Dream, illustrated by John Gilbert, 1862. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive by Michael John Goodman)

“Falstaff choosing his Recruits,” Henry IV, illustrated by R. W. Buss, circa 1839. (Photo: Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive by Michael John Goodman)

Victorian Illustrated Shakespeare Archive: Website
h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: Explore Over 3,000 Victorian Illustrations of Shakespeare’s Works

When we think of architectural illustrations, we may think of iconic buildings in a city rendered with structural details. But in many places, the true character lies not in its skycrapers and landmarks, but in the homes and businesses where locals spend their days. Artist Albert Kiefer (aka Housesketcher) documents these places. His use of expressive marker lines captures the lived-in quality of each illustrated building, reminding us that the true vibrancy of a place is indebted to those who call it home.

Kiefer started drawing architectural structures in 2016. “At first that was not a planned subject matter,” the artist tells My Modern Met. “I wanted to catch up with traditional sketching again. As a computer artist, I had not sketched on paper for over 30 years. At first, I sketched many different subjects. But it eventually became architecture. And I loved it!” While he has formal training in art, architectural drawing was something he ventured into on his own.

Most of the artist's sketches originate from real buildings, but he admits that he sometimes exaggerates some of their features. Kiefer explains, “I always look at a building for ‘sketching potential' and if I am inspired by something I see, that's the one for my next sketch.”

Many of Kiefer's illuastrations feature Japanese buildings, which he started drawing during the COVID pandemic. “There was a time when I was not allowed to travel around to sketch my local architecture and I found subjects on the internet,” he shares. “I immediately fell in love with this type of architecture because of its wild variety of shapes and looks. There are so many interesting aspects to sketch. I love it.”

To create these vibrant pieces, Kiefer uses simple sketchbooks and commercially available color markers. “These markers are alcohol based, and allow me to work quite fast,” he explains. “And that is one of the best things about working with them, since I don't want to spend too much time on sketches. This keeps them fresh and expressive.”

While he thrives at capturing unique buildings, that's far from Kiefer's only passion—he also enjoys drawing cars and motorcycles. To stay up to date with his architectural illustrations, you can follow the artist on Instagram.

Artist Albert Kiefer (aka Housesketcher) documents quaint buildings that depict the real character of a city.

His use of expressive marker lines captures the lived-in quality of each illustrated building.

Most of the artist's  sketches originate from real buildings, but he admits that he sometimes exaggerates some of their features to fully capture its character.

Kiefer explains, “I always look at a building for ‘sketching potential' and if I am inspired by something I see, that's the one for my next sketch.”

Many of Kiefer's illustrations feature Japanese buildings, which he started drawing during the COVID pandemic.

“There was a time when I was not allowed to travel around to sketch my local architecture and I found subjects on the internet.”

“I immediately fell in love with this type of architecture because of its wild variety of shapes and looks. There are so many interesting aspects to sketch. I love it.”

Albert Kiefer (Housesketcher): Instagram | Patreon

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Albert Kiefer.

Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.

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Do you know which species of animals are indigenous to your area? Artist Anton Thomas has created a pictorial map that is both educational and stunning to look at. Titled Wild World, this large-scale piece is hand-drawn in colored pencil and pen, requiring three years to complete from start to finish.

From American bison to the kangaroos of Australia, this map features 1,642 animals across all seven continents, and the oceans that separate them. “I wanted to display our world through a different lens than we're used to. A perspective that celebrates the majesty of nature, the wild animals we share this planet with, and the ecosystems that support such diversity of life,” Thomas tells My Modern Met. “I hoped that such a map, if done well, would help inspire curiosity and love for our planet and its nature. While also being an excellent educational resource.”

To ensure that the basic structure of the map was accurate, Thomas used a Natural Earth projection as a template. He traced over the basic outlines of the coastlines, rivers, and mountain ranges, before slowing building up his own artistic touch to the drawing. “I settled on three criteria that came to shape the philosophy of the map. All animals on Wild World are 1) wild, 2) native, and 3) extant—not extinct,” Thomas says. “Wild and native animals invoke natural biomes only—pristine habitats without domesticated or introduced species.”

Unlike many other maps, which emphasize national boundaries and city streets, this piece focuses on what makes our planet special: the beautiful diversity of nature. Thomas chose to only illustrate extant animals because he wanted Wild World to depict our world as it is now and that we need to care for. He says: “It may seem an idealistic view of Earth, but it shows nothing that isn’t there. I want this map to inspire hope and curiosity, to show just how wild our world still is, and how much is left to protect.”

You can purchase prints of Wild World via Thomas's online shop.

Artist Anton Thomas spent three years illustrating this massive pictorial map.

Titled Wild World, it features illustrations of 1,642 animals from every continent and ocean.

Every element is hand-drawn in colored pencil and pen.

Anton Thomas: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Anton Thomas.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Today, when we come across a beautiful garden or field of flowers, our first instinct is to take out our phone and take a picture. However, before cameras, recording plant life was a much more intensive process. Botanical art—the practice of depicting the form, color, and details of plant life—can be traced back to 70 CE. However, it was a book published in the early 17th century that forever changed this art form.

Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, Prince-Bishop of Eichstätt, famously had Germany's first botanical garden with numerous species of plants from around the world. Apothecary and botanist Basilius Besler was one of the people in charge of the garden, and was commissioned by the Prince-Bishop to commemorate the flora in an illustrated book, which would later be titled Hortus Eystettensis.

Over the course of 16 years, Besler worked alongside German draftsmen and engravers to carefully create art of every flower, herb, and vegetable in the garden. While plants had been illustrated for centuries, Besler's work was remarkably different in its lifelike detail and artistic rendering. “Now, suddenly plants were being portrayed as beautiful objects in their own right,” says David Marsh in The Gardens Trust. “Moreover, it was the first to systematically record all the plants actually growing in one specific place: the gardens of the Willibaldsburg palace, home of the Prince-Bishop of Eichstätt in Bavaria.”

The complete Hortus Eystettensis was eventually published in 1613, and featured 367 full-page copper engravings, depicting a total of 1,084 species of plants. Besler's hard work paid off, as he was able to purchase a home with some of the earnings, and his exquisite, carefully rendered art made a lasting impact on future botanical illustrations.

You can browse the Hortus Eystettensis online for free via the Teylers Museum's website, and pick up your own copy of the stunning book through Bookshop.

In the 1600s, the Prince-Bishop of Eichstätt Johann Konrad von Gemmingen commissioned botanist Basilius Besler to record the plants in his garden.

Besler spent 16 years working with engravers and illustrating every species of flower, herb, and vegetable.

It was the first time botanical illustrations were rendered in such exquisite detail.

Teylers Museum: Website
h/t: [Open Culture]

All images via Teylers Museum.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you know an illustrator, you know that they’re experts in visualizing ideas, stories, and much more. Whether they’re already a seasoned professional or just starting to make a career change, those in the field of illustration are constantly drawing, painting, and creating. So, why not give them something to help and inspire their creativity?

We’ve curated 20 brilliant gift ideas for illustrators, from art materials to inspiring books. If your loved one prefers the old-school way of drawing on paper, they’re sure to love our selection of pens, markers, and sketchbooks. And if they draw digitally, check out the graphics drawing tablet, artist glove, and the official training workbook for Adobe Illustrator.

Scroll down for more wonderfully inspiring gifts for illustrators in your life.

Do you have an illustrator in your life? Check out these gift ideas that are sure to inspire them to keep drawing.

642 Things to Draw Book

Chronicle Books | $16.95

Rainbow Pencils

Duncan Shotton | $15

Copic Markers, Floral Favorites (Set of 6)

Copic | $47.94

Digital Artist Glove

DigitalArtistStore | $30

Botanical Art Techniques Book

American Society of Botanical Artists | $40

Moleskine Classic Hardcover Sketchbook

Moleskine | $24.95

Marvel Illustrator's Sketchbook

Marvel | $14.99

Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet

Wacom | $69.95

Gouache Brushes for Procreate

FreyaArtProcreate | $49.59

“Not Paint Water” Mug

Panvola | $14.97

Watercolor Wooden Travel Box

WOODENWATERCOLORBOX | $26.36+

365 Days of Art in Nature Book

Lorna Scobie | $22.99

iPad Pro for Digital Art

Apple | $999.97

Viviva Colorsheets

Viviva Colorsheets | $19.95

Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book

Adobe Press | $21+

Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pens

Uni-Posca | $26.49

Flower Color Pencils

Trinus | $22

J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist Book

Judy Goffman Cutler, Laurence S. Cutler | $60

Sakura Prisma Fineliner 

Sakura | $17.99

A Big Important Artist: A Womanual Book

Danielle Krysa | $16.99

This article has been edited and updated.

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Before photography, it was up to illustrators to accurately record plants and animals. In the 19th century, artist John Gould set out to capture all of the known species of hummingbirds at the time, which meant traveling to different continents to observe their appearances. Ultimately, these efforts culminated in A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds, a five volume series of 360 hand-colored lithographic plates. While each of these illustrations is stunning on their own, Nicholas Rougeux took it upon himself to make a new way to enjoy Gould's magnum opus, by meticulously restoring each lithograph and artfully arranging them into a dynamic poster.

“The monograph is considered one of the finest examples of ornithological illustration ever produced, as well as a scientific masterpiece. Included in the lengthy introduction was also a complete list of 416 species,” Rougeux explains. After finding high-quality scans of the project via the Internet Archive, he set out to bring the lithographs back to their original vibrant state. “A key goal I had for this project was to find an interesting way to introduce the subject of hummingbirds to new visitors,” Rougeux writes. “I wanted to highlight the large variety of hummingbirds in Gould’s monograph on the home page as a way to engage visitors, so I planned to create a murmuration that included a hummingbird from each illustration. Ironically, hummingbirds travel alone and not in flocks, but displaying them in a murmuration still felt like a fun design exercise.”

Rougeux painstakingly arranged each hummingbird in the murmuration to ensure that each one was evenly spaced. He also wanted to display the group according to color, so that it starts with blue birds at the top and shifts into the brighter, warmer colored species. Additionally, while the original lithographs included a simple background with plants, Rougeux isolated each bird to fit into the mumuration. However, he still wanted to add some sort of setting for the hummingbirds, and created a watercolor mountain and cloud background in AI. “I have mixed feelings about AI-generated imagery but generating these images for this purpose felt like an interesting experiment that worked out well,” he says. The collage is enhanced by text labels which identify each species on the poster.

You can purchase this poster via Zazzle with a white or dark background.

Nicholas Rougeux restored John Gould's A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds and transformed the art into a poster.

Each of the hummingbirds is from Gould's original hand-colored lithographs from the 19th century.

Rougeux used the scans of all 360 plates from the Internet Archive and spent over 150 hours restoring them to their original colors.

It includes all of the hummingbird species that were known at the time.

Nicholas Rougeux: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nicholas Rougeux.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

There are many ways that families show their love. It can be in the smallest moments, like a mother brushing her daughter's hair, or a father letting his child sit on his lap. Artist Soosh captures these tender fleeting moments in her beautiful watercolor illustrations.

Using a delicate color palette, she renders a variety of family dynamics, including siblings, parents and children, as well as grandparents. Her scenes are always domestic and full of love. The moments are small ones that everyone can relate to, like a baby's bath or dressing up in costumes. When asked about her inspirations, Soodh told My Modern Met, “People, for sure! I am a child before all. Since childhood, I tend to notice the smallest details about everything around me: still life, movements, tiniest of gestures. All of these give me ideas.”

The figures in Soosh's paintings always possess very warm, clear expressions. It is easy to feel the emotion of the unfolding scene just from a glimpse. And almost always, the message in these illustrations is an uplifting one about love and family. “Small and big acts of kindness that I have seen or done or become a recipient of boost my creativity and I am eager to capture glimpses of them on paper,” Soosh adds.

Soosh has two books available for purchase: Mermaid and Me and Dad By My Side. You can also purchase prints of her art via FineArtAmerica.

Artist Soosh depicts warm family moments in watercolor illustrations.

She captures the beauty of small moments between family members.

Her scenes are always domestic and full of love.

Soosh: Website | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Soosh.

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‘Friends'
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

In some of TV's most iconic sitcoms, the place where the story unfolds is so unique that it almost feels like an additional character. Despite how often we see them, it can sometimes be hard to make sense of the layout of these places. Thankfully, interior-designer-turned-illustrator Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has devoted his time and skill to recreating the floor plans of some of TV's most famous locations, like Gilmore Girls‘ family home and Dunder Mifflin's building from The Office. Now, his works have been compiled in a book titled Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time, published by Chronicle Books.

Aliste Lizarralde began illustrating floor plans from TV locations almost 15 years ago. The first one he created was Frasier‘s fictitious apartment in Seattle. “Many years ago I made the floor plan of Frasier as a personal treat,” the artist tells My Modern Met. “I really liked the show and his elegant apartment, so I wanted to see it modeled.” He decided to to share it on social media for other fans to enjoy, but that was as far as he expected it to go.

“A couple of years, later a friend told me that I should do the Friends floor plan, so I did it,” Aliste Lizarralde recalls. “She was also a big fan of Sex & the City so she then asked me to draw Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. And then I made another, and then another… until now.” So far, he has made 150 floor plans, of which around 80 are from TV shows and the rest are from movies, including some updated versions or makeovers.

The artist explains that movie floor plans are usually easier to draw, as they have more coherent and stable sets than sitcoms and shows with multiple seasons. “In long-running series, it is common for the sets to change and adapt according to the plot,” he explains. He lists The Simpsons house as an example, as the rooms and features can switch places from one episode to another. Despite his vast portfolio, he has ditched some TV floor plans as it was impossible to create a coherent layout. He says, “I could cheat and come up with a lot of shortcuts by betraying what was shown on the screen, but surely the fans of that show would not accept or forgive it… and neither would I.”

Aliste Lizarralde creates each detailed floor plan on paper with color pencils and markers. “For my work as an interior designer I have used design software for both the plans and rendering, but for this project, I prefer to keep it old school.” On top of the actual time it takes him to draw, there are hours upon hours of research, from rewatching the series, to taking notes and establishing the measurements of each element. “It's something very similar to making a puzzle, since there are usually empty areas that must be located and interconnected, fitting them within other spaces.”

Ultimately, his work has paid off, as the book is a testament to the great locations that have shaped our favorite stories throughout the years. You can find Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time on Bookshop and Amazon. To stay up to date with Aliste Lizarralde, you can follow him on Instagram.

Interior-designer-turned-illustrator Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has created the floor plans of some of TV's most famous locations, like Gilmore Girls‘ family home and Dunder Mifflin's building from The Office.

‘Gilmore Girls'

Now, his works have been compiled in a book titled Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time.

‘Gilmore Girls'

Aliste Lizarralde creates each detailed floor plan on paper with color pencils and markers.

‘The Simpsons'

On top of the actual time it takes him to draw, there are hours upon hours of research, from rewatching the series, to taking notes and establishing the measurements of each element.

‘The Simpsons'

Ultimately, his work has paid off, as the book is a testament to the great locations that have shaped our favorite stories throughout the years.

‘The Office'

Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde: Instagram | Tumblr | Facebook | Etsy

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Chronicle Books.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you're someone who frequently stays at hotels, you likely take note of the different design choices in each place. One artist has turned her hobby of chronicling different hotel layouts into an illustrated book. Japanese artist Kei Endo frequently visits various hotels in the Tokyo area (and sometimes beyond). Every place she stays at gets transformed into a colorful series of paintings documenting the layout and interiors, highlighting the similarities and differences at these numerous accommodations.

The book, titled Tokyo Hotel Sketch, features a large selection of these watercolor layouts from different corners of the Japanese metropolis. Endo's thorough investigation of these spaces notes the measurements of the rooms, the placement of furniture, as well as the color schemes. Not only that, but she also takes a look at the smaller details, including the complimentary toiletry kits and coffee mugs.

After examining so many hotels, Endo's illustrations reveal common themes in the lodgings and where they differ. The way the beds are prepared, for instance, seems to be the same across the board; however, the dining nook varies from room to room. For those who can read Japanese, Endo's jottings offer more information. However, even without understanding the notes, the artwork still provides plenty of insight into the way hotels are designed.

You can purchase Endo's book for ¥2,750 (about $18.69). Scroll down to see more fascinating drawings by Endo, and follow the artist on Instagram to make sure you never miss an update.

Japanese artist Kei Endo documents the architecture and design of different hotels in the Tokyo area in a series of illustrations.

Endo's illustrations were collected into a book called Tokyo Hotel Sketch.

It includes numerous depictions of hotel interiors and layouts from across Japan.

Each of these works is carefully rendered in delicate colors with added descriptions.

In systematically recording all of these hotel rooms, Endo highlights what these accommodations have in common and what makes each of them unique.

Some appear to be more typical in appearance, whereas others stand out for more unique design choices.

Watch this video for more insight into Endo's creative process:

Kei Endo: Website | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kei Endo.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Using just ink and colored pencils, Demi Lang transforms architecture into works of fine art. Her detailed architectural illustrations capture the spirit of great monuments, as well as the everyday charm of corner shops and bistros. Based in the UK, Lang lets herself be inspired by the old-world architecture of Europe. And, thanks to her willingness to share her creative process, brings joy to her fans by sharing videos that show how she draws these stunning creations.

My Modern Met Academy is lucky enough to host Lang's masterclass, which shares the secrets of her architectural illustrations. In the online class, she takes students step by step through her creative process and, at the same time, gives them the necessary tools to tackle any architectural drawing.

Whether she is creating small studies of architectural elements like columns or creating large-scale drawings that will transform into wallpaper, Lang is always pushing herself to do more. And, in fact, she'll soon be able to add published author to her list of accomplishments. Her book Drawing and Illustrating Architecture: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Art of Drawing and Illustrating Beautiful Buildings, due out in February 2024, gives an overview of her process and takes you through five different projects.

Take a look at some of Lang's most recent work, and if you are ready to take the plunge, sign up for her online drawing class, Architectural Illustration for Everyone. The three-hour course is available on its own or as part of the Academy's special October Drawing Challenge bundle of classes. In the bundle, only available in October 2023, students will receive three of popular drawing courses at a discounted price.

Demi Lang is known for her stunning architectural illustrations.

Created with ink and colored pencil, they are ripe with rich detail.

Lang is inspired by European architecture, from famous monuments to ordinary shops.

Whether working on a small study or a large-scale image, she often shows her creative process on Instagram.

Through My Modern Met Academy, she offers an architectural illustration course where students will follow her as she creates this drawing.

Demi Lang: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Etsy

All images via Demi Lang.

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