A labour of love has turned into a business success story for Rotorua graphic designer and keen fisherman Tony Hadlow.
Mr Hadlow has designed a series of bathymetric maps, which show the depths and contours of lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti and Tarawera.
The maps, all hand-drawn, are now selling like hot cakes.
But
Mr Hadlow says it's not about the money - the buzz of working for himself and producing something that he is interested in is reward enough.
"It started out as just something I had wanted to do for a while. I had found some bathymetric maps of the Rotorua lakes, but they were very sterile and clinical."
Mr Hadlow did not design his maps as a navigational aid but wanted something that fishing enthusiasts would want on the wall amid their trophies.
"I wanted to make a map that you could frame and stick on the wall of the lodge or lakeside property. Something that would fit an outdoorsy sort of feel. To fit in with the decor. It just took off on me. As I was doing them a few people came around and saw what I was up to and started asking 'Can I have a copy?"'
The three "limited edition" maps were designed by Mr Hadlow in collaboration with local fishing guides Jeff Oakes and Glenn Skinner and Nigel Wood from Rotorua fishing and hunting store Hamill's.
"I've tried to capture the essence of local fishing culture.
"As you can see, there are no roads on them."
Only 200 prints of each map have been made and they cost $500 each.
"I have just started marketing them now and they have been going really well. One guy has bought 10 sets of them as an investment."
Mr Hadlow, who has been a graphic designer for about 25 years, said the maps would hopefully be "the tip of the iceberg" of personal projects.
"Graphic design is very computer oriented now. It's great that I have people tracking me down, wanting to use me because I still have the skills as a hand artist.
"I don't mind working for the man, but it's been really nice doing something for myself for a change."
