

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Manangan.
Jamie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started designing artistic maps with my husband, Arie, about five years ago, and soon after officially formed Map of Home. It began as a creative outlet that played off my existing background in science (wildlife biology and disease mapping.) As I started making connections within the creative community in Atlanta and also making sales, I started to take it more seriously as a way to provide additional income for our family.
Has it been a smooth road?
During the first couple of years of Map of Home, I was very aware that I didn’t have a background in art or business, and yet I was trying to figure out how to have an art business. I have had my fair share of rejections. Some events don’t know how to categorize our work. I am a digital artist, but I’m also an actual cartographer (map-maker.) And there are definitely people who just don’t get what I’m doing that also seem happy to let me know that. But, I’ve learned to simply focus on the people who enjoy and appreciate what I’m doing.
Like so many businesses, our business basically shut down in March due to Covid-19. We have prints in 11 shops in Georgia, all of which closed. Online sales halted and important events have been cancelled. I’m amazed and proud of the many ways Atlantans have worked together to stay strong and positive during this time. And while homeschooling our three boys can feel overwhelming at times, I’m happy to do our very small part to help keep people safe.
Please tell us about Map of Home.
At Map of Home, we specialize in creating beautiful, unique, artistic maps of places all over the world. We’re blending actual map data layers into art by displaying them in innovative ways. Between Arie and myself, we have about 40 years of map-making experience. This allows us to have a level of detail in our maps (your house, or a stadium) that is difficult to achieve without these skills.
Over the past year, we had a chance to increase our custom design offerings and are especially proud of designs we’ve created for a few different company board rooms in Atlanta, including one for DHL. We’re also excited that two of our lines of prints have become go-to gifts for housewarmings, graduations, birthdays, and weddings. It is exciting to create pieces that become part of someone’s day of celebration.
During some of the downtime from COVID-19, we’ve discussed ways for Map of Home to make a more positive impact. As much as we love being a part of people’s celebrations of what home means to them, we are painfully aware that many children grow up without ever experiencing this. A friend let me know about Embark Georgia, an organization that works to “increase college access and retention for youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness.” This year, a portion of the profits from each map sold will be donated to Embark.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think and I hope that Americans, especially during and after COVID-19, are going to continue to support small businesses and local artists. Financial support is one aspect of that, but not the only one for sure. A general feeling of connectedness, friendship, and positivity among artists and clients are a huge part of that support system. I’ve always felt and appreciated that support. If anything, it will only increase as we stay strong together through this challenging time.
Pricing:
- Original Map Art Prints $20 – $30
- Map Art Screen Prints, signed and numbered $44
- Custom Map Art of new locations starting at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mapofhome.com
- Email: jamie@mapofhome.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mapofhome
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.