Personal Map-making Workshop with Jen Urso

Grab a drink from First Draft, a notebook from Changing Hands and join Jen Urso, Phoenix’s renowned mapmaker, for a hands-on Personal Map-making Workshop at The Newton!

Discover how to craft a unique map that captures the story of you, a loved one, a work-in-progress character or a favorite fictional character. Jen Urso, founder of Steady Hand Maps, specializes in creating personalized "Life Maps" that blend memories with geographical elements into captivating illustrations. You don’t need drawing skills or artistic talent—just bring your stories and a sense of your (or someone else’s) journey to sketch them out on paper.

During the first half of the workshop, Jen will showcase her map designs and explore the historical evolution of mapping. You’ll learn practical techniques for plotting memories on paper and using simple iconography.
In the second half, dive into creating your own map! Jen will guide you through the process and will be available to assist each participant in visually narrating their unique story. By the workshop’s end, you’ll proudly take home your personalized map—crafted entirely by you—ready to be cherished or given as a thoughtful gift.


WORKSHOP DETAILS

• Cost: $40 per person. Limited seating so sign up before it fills up!
• Register below.
• Refunds will not be issued within one day of the event.

Includes:

• 1, 4”x6” signed map print by Jen Urso
• Mapping paper & pencil
• Iconography guide
• 60 minutes of instruction
• 60 minutes of interactive drawing time
• 20% off coupon for any single item on the Steady Hand Maps shop

Available to share in the workshop:

• Erasers (you’ll need ‘em!)
• Pens
• Markers
• Rulers
• Graphic stencils
• Map reference books

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Jen Urso is an Arizona-based artist and founder of Steady Hand Maps, specializing in custom, hand-drawn paper maps and original map illustrations. She has created unique maps for private, non-profit and corporate clients nationwide and has several of her original maps included in the Library of Congress. Her artwork and maps focus on the experience of the every day and how our environment and memories affect us. She is a passionate runner, gardener, seed-saver, environmental advocate, thinker and mother. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives and works in Central Phoenix, AZ.