Emmanuel Lemaire, a renowned illustrator based in Rouen, France, has embarked on an ambitious new project: creating his own unique map of the city. The result is both deeply personal and surprisingly captivating, showcasing his distinctive artistic style while offering a fresh perspective on the historic Norman city.

The map immediately reveals Lemaire's signature spontaneous lines and creative play with perspectives. As an established figure in the comic book world, the Rouen native decided to take on this new challenge of cartographic illustration. The large-format map is already available for purchase, and Lemaire has opened up about his creative process and motivation behind the project.

Lemaire brings over 20 years of illustration experience to this endeavor. Working as a librarian by profession and being a self-taught artist, he has built an impressive career in the field. "Thirty years ago, I dreamed of drawing like the great Franco-Belgian artists," he recalls. "Until one day at a festival, someone told me that my sketchbooks were more interesting than my drawings. That's when I learned to accept my style."

His distinctive artistic approach features deliberate scratches and vibrant lines, which he believes suits the representation of a city perfectly. "A city is a living organism," Lemaire explains, suggesting that his dynamic style captures the essence of urban life and movement.

The project came about when Wandrille Leroy, who had previously published Lemaire's work "Rouen par 100 chemins différents" (Rouen Through 100 Different Paths), approached him with a proposal. Leroy, now running his new publishing house "Ici sont les dragons" (Here Are the Dragons), specializes in unique cartographic projects. According to the publisher's website, each publication is "a map or plan, imagined from scratch, within a free and demanding framework: that of personal cartography."

Lemaire found the concept appealing for several reasons. "Maps are different from books – they're easy to store, they reach a different audience than comic books, and it's a completely underutilized niche," he explains. This new format allowed him to explore his artistic vision in a way that differs significantly from his traditional comic book work.

As a lifelong resident of Rouen, Lemaire approached this map as "a declaration of sympathy" for his beloved city. He envisions people using his creation in a unique way: "People can wander around it by letting their gaze roam, in a different manner, perhaps rediscovering places. There are parts that I haven't represented, and others that I've over-represented." This selective approach reflects his personal relationship with different areas of the city.

The finished map reveals as much about its creator as it does about Rouen itself. Lemaire expresses fascination with his city's transformation: "It's fascinating to see how the city has transformed – and positively at that – it's bustling in every direction." His observation reflects both his long-term perspective as a resident and his artist's eye for change and movement.

Lemaire's creative energy extends beyond this single project. He currently has several works in development, including the upcoming release of "Paris Toits Chats" (Paris Rooftops Cats), which represents a significant departure for him as it will feature colored drawings for the first time. He also has an exhibition planned in Brussels, marking another milestone in his evolving career.

The Rouen map will be available through multiple channels to reach local audiences and art enthusiasts. Readers can expect to find it in local bookstores around the back-to-school season, during the Normandiebulle festival, and through the publisher's website "Ici sont les dragons." This distribution strategy ensures that both tourists and residents will have access to this unique artistic interpretation of their city.