Module 2 - Children's Encyclopedia Cover

For the lab assignment in Module 2, we were tasked with taking a map in ArcMap, exporting it as an EPS, and then using CorelDRAW X7 to create an attractive children's encyclopedia cover about FL. We had certain guidelines to follow, such as including three images related to FL's state symbols and of course, the basic map essentials. I chose to model my map a little off the old hand-drawn land survey maps, using an imported background map as my starting point. The challenge was finding a visual balance between the transparent gradient background and the overlying images. With more experience and bitmap options at my fingertips it could be improved, but I think it ended up being a unique and attractive cover (I would not include the required neatline border on an actual publishing piece as I envisioned the cover being full bleed but the grading rubric takes precedence here).

Challenges ranged from data that needed to be repaired in our provided MXD file to the EPS not being able to open as curves. This lab definitely required patience and unflagging enthusiasm for the end product (turning on some high tempo music was necessary at points). Thankfully I have past experience with graphics programs, although it's been a few years, so producing a file in Corel wasn't nearly as difficult as trying to understand datasets and filepaths in ArcMap. It was still a slow process, which I hope to speed up as the class progresses.