About the Artist

Stephen Kennedy is a cartographer and designer who reimagines the way we see cities, landscapes, and communities through creative mapping. As the founder of LATLONG.SHOP, Stephen transforms geographic data into visually striking, informative, occasionally satirical maps offering fresh perspectives on Madison, Wisconsin, and beyond.

Stephen's journey into cartography began with an undergraduate education in traditional industrial design, where he honed his skills in creating functional products. A pivotal summer course in community mapping in New York ignited his passion for understanding places through spatial communication. This experience led him to pursue a master's degree in urban planning, focusing on visualization tactics to facilitate community engagement and development.

In 2022, Stephen participated in #30DayMapChallenge, a global initiative encouraging cartographers to create daily maps based on specific prompts. He chose Madison as his subject, using the challenge to deepen his understanding of his new home. This endeavor resulted in a series of maps that he later refined into prints and began selling as an Arts & Crafts vendor during the summer Dane County Farmers Market season.

Stephen's work has been showcased in various venues, including a 2024 artist residency at the Sequoya Library as part of Madison Public Library's Bubbler program. His exhibit, Atlas of an Isthmus: Creative Cartography of Madison & Beyond, featured large-format pieces that invited viewers to explore Madison through new lenses.

Through LATLONG.SHOP, Stephen continues to create maps that serve as both practical tools and artistic expressions, encouraging individuals to discover and appreciate the world around them in new and meaningful ways.