Illustrating the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Landmarks, Color, and Coastal Charm
The Gulf Coast of Mississippi has its own kind of magic — a mix of old-soul history, small-town color, and seaside joy that feels both timeless and lived-in. For this illustration set, I captured some of the most recognizable landmarks stretching from Bay St. Louis and Waveland to Ocean Springs and Pascagoula — with stops in Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pass Christian along the way.
A Walk Along the Coastline
The collection includes everything from cheerful beach cottages and weathered docks to the big-name icons that define the region: the Beau Rivage and Hard Rock Casino lighting up the Biloxi strip, the Biloxi Lighthouse, Ship Island Fort, and the breezy entrance to Fishbone Alley. I couldn’t resist adding a few local favorites — Paradise Pier Fun Park, classic souvenir shops, and those unforgettable chainsaw tree sculptures carved after Hurricane Katrina that have become beautiful symbols of resilience.
A Softer, Watercolor Approach
This series takes a slight turn from my usual crisp vector style — I experimented with watercolor brushes and pencil textures to bring out that humid, sun-washed feeling of the Gulf. The result feels a bit looser, a little saltier — as if everything’s been touched by sea air and summer light. Each building and landmark was drawn individually, then arranged like a travel poster that celebrates both nostalgia and renewal.
A Love Letter to Coastal Mississippi
What I love most about this project is how much story the Gulf Coast holds. Every landmark — from Historic Beauvoir to the Sharkheads souvenir shop — has weathered storms, rebuilt, and kept its spirit intact. There’s history and heart in every stroke. This is a region that knows how to welcome you — with fried shrimp, front porches, and a view that always feels like home.
We visit the Gulf Coast at least once a year, and every trip reminds me why I love illustrating places with so much character and soul.