A cartographer reflects on their journey into the field, beginning with a childhood surrounded by maps and a college education in geography during the early 2000s when GIS technology was gaining traction. Inspired by a class with Cindy Brewer, an expert in color and map design, the cartographer pursued artistic cartography and gained experience through an internship at National Geographic, where they eventually transitioned from data handling to map production. Over a decade at National Geographic, they have contributed to transforming complex geographic data into accessible and engaging maps for the public, aligning with the organization's mission to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge." The cartographer notes the rapid evolution of the mapping industry, from the necessity of building proprietary geospatial databases to the abundance of readily available data sources today, and reflects on the intersection of traditional printed cartography with digital map-making, exemplified by their work on the now-defunct Atlas app, which attempted to bring their cartographic expertise into a virtual space.