Crafting Creatures & Maps for the Mystical Exhibit
Last time, I introduced you to the Mystical Creatures Exhibit—a world where dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and griffins let loose on a treasure quest across Istanbul. Today, I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain and explore how these illustrations and our adventure map came to life—and why they make July 26th worth waiting for.
Drawing the Four Guardians
Dragon
I wanted a dragon that roared “majestic” without scaring off younger visitors. I began with soft pencil lines to capture its muscle and scales, then layered warm amber tones—so its eyes and fire seem to glow. The result is a guardian that's fierce, wise, and strangely lovable.
Mermaid
To evoke the depths of Istanbul’s seas, I riffed on rich blues and teals. I hand-drafted subtle wave patterns across her tail and fins, then used watercolor textures to give her an ocean-swirled, dreamy feel—a protector of hidden aquatic treasures.
Unicorn
Pure and magical, the unicorn called for a more delicate palette—pale pastels with a pop of iridescent shimmer. I experimented with different line weights to make its horn softly spiral, while keeping its posture elegant yet playful.
Griffin
I wanted this creature to stand proud—so I referenced both eagle and lion anatomy to balance wingspan, talons, and mane. I used rich ochres and russets to ground it in earthy regality, creating a mythical guardian with wings ready to whisk away golden trinkets.
Designing the Treasure Map: Your Guide Through Myth & History
The map needed to feel like an artifact pulled from a lost traveler’s satchel—old parchment edges, faded ink, miniature creature hand-drawings. Each landmark on the quiz-map mirrors a display case in the museum: perhaps the unicorn guards a carved box or the mermaid stands by an ancient seashell amulet.
The dotted lines, compass rose, and cryptic notes invite visitors to puzzle-solve as they move through Istanbul’s mythical landscape—that sense of play and discovery is the heart of this exhibit.
What’s Next: Your Invitation to Explore
On July 26th, the real adventure begins. You’ll meet the dragon up close, solve the griffin’s riddle, perhaps even glimpse that shimmering unicorn horn next to a gleaming object...
Keep your eyes on this space—you’ll be the first to hear about family–friendly treasure hunts, interactive map guides, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes peeks before the official opening.
