Memory Anchor Maps

 

Custom Campus Illustration · Stephanie Madsen Art

Bring Your Campus to Life with a Memory Anchor Map

A hand-painted watercolor illustration of your institution's most beloved buildings, spaces, and traditions — designed to connect alumni, inspire donors, and celebrate your campus story.

Start the Conversation

What is a Memory Anchor Map?

More than a map. A memory.

A Memory Anchor Map is a custom, handmade watercolor illustration of your college or university campus — painted by artist Stephanie Madsen to capture the places, traditions, and details that make your institution uniquely yours.

"Memory anchors are the specific places, moments, and sensory details that tie us to a place we love. For alumni, a campus map isn't just geography — it's a portal back to the most formative years of their lives."

Each map is hand-crafted to include the iconic landmarks your community knows and loves — from storied academic buildings and beloved gathering spots to the quirky traditions that only your alumni would recognize. The result is a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has called your campus home.

Memory Anchor Maps are used by institutions as alumni gifts, donor recognition pieces, fundraising incentives, and bookstore merchandise — turning campus pride into something tangible and lasting.

Maps in the Wild

See the work.

Each map is a one-of-a-kind illustration built around the specific landmarks, traditions, and stories of a campus. Here's a look at three institutions that have already put their campus on the map.

St. Olaf College

Northfield, Minnesota · Featuring the campus's most beloved buildings, traditions, and gathering spaces.

Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota · Capturing the charm and character of one of the Midwest's most distinctive liberal arts campuses.

McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland · A tribute to a campus rich in history and the generations of students who have called it home.

Each map is unique and handmade — yours will be too.

The Process

From first conversation to finished map in 3–6 weeks.

The process is collaborative, low-lift for your team, and designed to fit into busy institutional schedules.

01

Initial Conversation

We connect to talk about your campus, your goals, and how the map will be used — whether as a donor gift, bookstore product, alumni keepsake, or all of the above.

02

Memory Anchor Audit

Together we identify 5–8 key buildings or landmarks and 4–6 campus traditions to feature. Your community knows what matters most — I help you curate it.

03

Reference & Research

Ideally your team provides reference photos of key locations, but I can work from web resources too. No elaborate preparation required on your end.

04

Illustration & Review

I create a digital draft of the map for your review before inking and painting begins. You'll have the opportunity to request adjustments before the final version is completed.

05

Delivery & Launch

Your chosen partnership option is fulfilled — prints ordered, merchandise produced, or files delivered — and your campus map is ready to share with the world.

06

Ongoing Partnership

The map becomes a lasting product your community can discover and purchase — with no inventory management or fulfillment burden on your team.

Partnership Options

A partnership, not just a product.

Every institution is different — so I offer three flexible ways to work together. Whether you want to order merchandise, license the artwork, or own it outright, there's an option that fits your goals.

Most Popular
Purchase
Order what you need

Order merchandise and gifts directly from me. No license required — just place an order and I handle production and fulfillment.

  • Museum-quality archival giclée prints in a limited edition run, each signed and finished by hand
  • Merchandise: magnets, stickers, note cards, ornaments, tote bags, tea towels & more
  • Wholesale pricing available for campus stores
  • Fulfillment handled — no inventory on your end
Inquire About Purchasing
Custom Rights
License
Flexible use rights

Your institution licenses the map for agreed uses — print, digital, event collateral, and more. I continue to sell the map through my own channels.

  • Custom license for agreed uses (print, digital, events, etc.)
  • High-resolution files for your licensed uses
  • Ideal for alumni communications, fundraising campaigns & donor recognition
  • Ongoing merchandise available through my store
Inquire About Licensing
Premium
Full Buyout
Exclusive ownership

Your institution purchases exclusive commercial rights to the artwork. All commercial use transfers to you — complete control over how the map is used and distributed.

  • Full transfer of commercial rights
  • High-resolution print-ready files included
  • Individual elements delivered on separate layers for ease of use
  • Use across all channels without restriction
Inquire About a Buyout

Not sure which option is right for you? Just reach out — we'll figure it out together.

The Investment

Getting started costs nothing.

There is no upfront fee to commission a Memory Anchor Map. In place of a financial investment, I simply ask for three things that help the map reach the people who will love it most.

What I ask in return

  • 🤝A warm introduction to your campus bookstore manager — so we can explore carrying the map and merchandise through your official channels.
  • 📣A social media post to your alumni, parents, and families pages — to help the map find its way to the people who will treasure it most.
  • 📋Any licenses or image permissions required by your institution for commercial use of campus imagery.

Let's Connect

Ready to put your campus on the map?

Reach out by email or fill out the form below and I'll be in touch within a few business days to learn more about your campus and how we might work together.

Prefer to reach out directly?

Send me an email introducing yourself and your institution. Feel free to include a bit about your campus, how you discovered the maps, and how you're thinking about using them — I'd love to learn about the spots, traditions, and hidden gems that make your campus unforgettable.

Stephanie Madsen

Stephanie Madsen

Or complete this short form:

I'll follow up within a few business days.

I typically respond within 2–3 business days.

 

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