A Conversation with Lauren Trangmar, Author of An Illustrated Map Book of Hawai‘i

Photo: Sean Marrs

New from local publisher Bess Press, An Illustrated Map Book of Hawai‘i is a stunning compilation of not only maps, but also the diverse flora, fauna and marine species with whom we share this pae ‘āina. Local artist, illustrator, and graphic designer Lauren Trangmar set the visual framework for this large-format book, which employs precise and colorful drawings to depict these historic islands from the northernmost atoll, Hōlanikū (Kure), to the southernmost island of Hawai‘i.

Our booksellers at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities caught up with Trangmar to discuss her approach to such a significant undertaking and to learn more about how An Illustrated Map Book of Hawai‘i came to life.

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Congratulations on the publication of An Illustrated Map Book of Hawai‘i! This really is a special book. To begin, I’m wondering if you have a favorite illustration, whether it be an individual species or a full-page scene? Why does it have your heart?

That’s a difficult question! I think my favorite parts are the introductory page illustrations and the glossary. I’m drawn to the introductory pages because each one is so unique, both in visual and written content. I also like how they set the scene for the maps that follow. As for the glossary, I love seeing all of the species brought together in one place in a grid format.

I’m also very aware of how much work went into those pages—every illustration had to be redrawn to accommodate the size and format change, plus each time a name was added or edited, I had to manually rearrange the entire grid to maintain alphabetical order. I think that effort makes me appreciate the final result even more.

Photo: Sean Marrs

The drawings in this book are so detailed and intricate. Can you share about your process or insight into creating the illustrations for this book?

There was a lot of research involved. I am outdoors a lot, especially on hiking trails and in the ocean, so I observed a lot of birds and sea life firsthand. I took a lot of my own photos for reference as well as researching online, in books and reference guides. I start by outlining in pen and primarily colored digitally, although I also incorporated some hand-painted watercolor elements for a unique texture. Each page is a complex composition, built from individually drawn elements. I also custom-designed the cover font after struggling to find one that fit.

Photo: Lauren Trangmar

As with the drawings, your color work is breathtaking. There are so many gradations of blue that you so beautifully captured in these pages. What was your process like when working with color?

When I was first tasked with this project, it was difficult to know where to begin. I started by downloading NOAA nautical charts to understand the geographical structure of the islands and atolls in greater detail. I quickly became absorbed in these charts, studying them closely and learning how to read their symbols and depth markings. To prevent the map pages from feeling too repetitive, I developed an ocean color palette based on the depth data shown in the NOAA charts. This approach not only made each map distinct, but also represented the ocean more realistically: darker blues indicate deeper waters, while lighter blues reflect shallower depths.

Can you share a moment, memory, or fact that remains with you from your research? Anything specific you learned?

I learned a lot while working on this book—both from the content and through developing my own skills. I knew little about Papahānaumokuākea at the beginning, so exploring it was especially interesting. One standout moment was the recent discovery of a third volcano that formed O‘ahu, which we had to update just before going to print.

How is creating artwork for a book different from creating other artwork?

Creating artwork for a book is different from other art because it requires a lot more consistency—each page must feel like part of a cohesive whole. There are also more technical considerations, like layout, spine consideration and printing requirements.

Do you feel as though you changed as an artist in the creation of this book? Did you learn anything new or surprising about yourself?

Because I worked on this book over a period of nearly five years, I naturally grew as an illustrator during that time. As technology evolved, so did my methods of working, and I found myself continually refining and improving the drawings as the project progressed.

Photo: Sean Marrs

I’m not sure if I learned anything entirely new or surprising about myself, but there were parts of the project that served as reminders that when I’m deeply engaged with a project, I can be a little “extra” without even realizing it! It is because I care so much about what I am creating, so it’s usually a good thing!

Something new I learned—maybe not so much about myself—but technically, was how to design for book production. I unexpectedly ended up designing the book all the way up to print setup, which is something I had never done before!

Photo: Sean Marrs

What do you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope readers can become immersed in the illustrations, gain a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian Islands and finish the book with a renewed curiosity about the beauty of this place.

And lastly, we have to ask: what are you reading these days?

LOL. I am actually really bad at reading unless it is for a project! But … books I have on the go and am taking literally years to get through (not because they are bad, but because of me) are Blue Mind by Wallace Nichols, Undrowned by Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works by Helen Czerski. I actually prefer children’s books to adult books, so I often look through my collection of those. My favorites at the moment are the “Welcome to the Museum Series” by Big Picture Press.

Mahalo nui to Lauren Trangmar for sharing her insights with us! Signed copies of An Illustrated Map Book of Hawai‘i are now available at Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, so come pay us a visit and get your hands on a copy!

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., Kaimukī, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl