Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show how a hand‑drawn world comes to life.
Every drawing starts long before pen touches paper. Whether it’s a bustling city like London, a sporting world inspired by Formula 1, or a fantasy realm such as Middle Earth, the first stage is all about immersion.
This means:
• Studying maps, skylines, and landmarks
• Identifying the features that make a place instantly recognisable
• Finding the hidden gems fans love — the details that spark nostalgia
It’s a blend of geography, storytelling, and a little detective work.
Once the references are gathered, the layout begins. For globes, this means plotting the curvature and deciding how the city or world will wrap around the sphere. For spirals, it’s about creating a flow that guides the eye from the centre outward.
This stage is all about structure:
• Light pencil lines
• Rough placement of landmarks
• Balancing the composition so every angle feels alive
It’s the blueprint of the world to come.
Adding the Details That Make It StavesArt
This is where the magic happens.
Every tiny building, bridge, mountain, or stadium is drawn by hand. Fans often tell us they spend ages exploring the details — and that’s exactly the point. Each piece is designed to reward curiosity. Some of the most-loved details include:
• Hidden references to local culture
• Tiny characters or easter eggs
• Layered textures that give depth and movement
• Iconic landmarks drawn with precision
This stage can take hours or even days, but it’s what gives each piece its signature StavesArt personality.
Inking and Final Touches
Once the pencil work is complete, the inking begins. This is the moment the world becomes permanent — bold, crisp, and full of character. Final touches might include:
• Enhancing shadows
• Adding texture
• Deepening contrast
• Cleaning up lines for print‑ready clarity
Spring Creativity
March is a month of fresh starts, new ideas, and creative energy. It’s also National Craft Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate hand‑drawn art and the joy of making things by hand. As the days get brighter, expect new worlds, new cities, and new spirals to emerge from the sketchbook. The result is a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.