World Map of Wild Wonders

Explore the Wild World map featuring 1,642 animals, a mesmerizing creation by Anton Thomas celebrating global nature's diversity.

Amidst a pandemic-induced lockdown, artist-cartographer Anton Thomas embarked on an extraordinary quest from the comfort of his Melbourne home. It all began with a grizzly bear sketched in colored pencil. The very first step of a journey that would span three years and bring forth a masterpiece named Wild World.

Anton Thomas created his amazing artwork right at home, as a way to escape during the universal lockdown. "I thought: this is my chance. I’m going to make that world map that I’ve always dreamed of”, he shared. Journeying from the rugged landscapes of Alaska to vast seascapes, he explored 1,642 animal species, carefully illustrating each one on the canvas of Wild World.

The map is not just a representation of geographical features but a celebration of emotional significance.

"There are animals the sizes of mountain ranges on my map. But you know what? The African lion should tower over Kilimanjaro if we’re drawing an emotional map.”

As you navigate through the Wild World, you'll encounter creatures that defy traditional size and scope. A lion towering over a mountain, a celebration of the untamed, the native, and the living. Thomas set three criteria for his illustrations: wildness, nativity, and current existence.

"It’s a celebration of the nature that we still have. There is plenty of very bad news to look at about the ecology of this planet. But I want people, especially the next generation, to know that there’s still so much wilderness on this planet. There’s so much to protect.”

Prints of Wild World, along with other illustrated maps, are available in Thomas's shop, inviting enthusiasts to carry a piece of this whimsical universe into their own spaces.

Whether you're inspired by his artistic expedition or intrigued by the diverse wildlife he unveils, let your curiosity guide you. And if you're tempted to embark on your creative journey, don't forget to check out our map illustration courses, where borders dissolve, and creativity knows no limits.

Dive into the links below and let the exploration continue:

– Animal Illustration: Capturing Wildlife in a Sketchbook a course by Jenny Rae
– Our Illustration Courses

– 20 Online Botanical Art and Animal Illustration Courses in 2024 an article by Amy