Maze Art: Advanced Tips to Creating Your Own Masterpiece

So you want to make some maze art. I’m here to help. I will take you through some things to think about and give you tips to make the best possible mazes. I can’t construct a maze for you, and while maze art, like all art is subjective, my goal is to help you make your mazes more interesting. Ideally, you will layer on your own particular style and make beautiful mazes. My goal is to help you Unlock the Secrets of Maze Art.

Before we get started:

I assume you understand how to make a maze and just want advanced and specific instruction and tips. If not start with the blog post how to make a standard maze. On this website I have a section on how to make a maze includes over 40 different maze types (and there are even more types not shown made by others) if you want - browse around for some inspiration and ideas.

Maze Construction:

I also have done a series of blog posts that pull together different aspects of maze making, like starting and ending a maze that will help you see the different options and come up with a style you like. Personally I like to experiment often, but build off of 2 things: the first is making more of what I like while the second is making mazes similar to what is successful on the site ! Tip #1 - Make lots of experimental mazes. When I initially made mazes on this website, and I used to make daily mazes, I did a large variety of maze types and constructions. I also did monthly voting where people could vote for their favorite mazes. This feedback was essential to help me find my lane. Tip #2 - Get feedback. Some options: Voting, posting mazes online in the reddit mazes forum, looking at traffic on your site by maze. I prefer to ask strangers vs. friends and family, because friends and family tend to only give uncritical, positive feedback. They also do not have a passion for mazes while anyone on the maze forum does.

Here are the 3 blog posts that deal with Maze Construction:

Part 1 - Options for Starting and Ending a Maze

Part 2 - Maze Pathway options

Part 3 - Conditional Pathway options

And some case studies:

Using Color for Maze Pathways - A Case Study

Maze Design Case Study - Designing a Grid Maze in Different Difficulty levels

A Case Study - The Free Stamp Maze

My first attempt at a how-to for making maze art is my project that made Maze of the Week #46 - The Free Stamp, located in Cleveland, Ohio. I turned this into a case study that includes step by step instructions. Let’s look at those 6 steps, each of which has a few tips in the how-to. Here I will add some additional tips specifically suggested to elevate the quality of your maze.

STEP 1 - CHOOSE YOUR MAZE SUBJECT

• While your neighbor’s shed may make a nice maze…will anyone really care ? Tip #3 - Famous landmarks/locations/objects get more interest. 5 of my top 6 voted mazes from last year were of famous buildings. Here are some examples: The Louvre, Sydney Opera House, Rock N Rock Hall of Fame. This is my way of saying the subject matter matters (usually). If you are making a cool geometric maze, or a colorful puzzle maze, then then the subject is generic, and then it does not matter.

• I specialize in making mazes of buildings and signs. I like them as subjects and make them well. Other maze artists specialize in cityscapes, comics, map mazes, or colorful landscapes. One thing I am terrible at is drawing faces. Human faces are difficult to draw and if you have that skill you should use it. Making a human face that is recognizable as a specific person is even more impressive, so if you have that very difficult skill - leverage it ! Tip #4 - Leverage your unique skills. This could also be Specialize in the maze types you do best.

STEP 2 - TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SUBJECT (OPTIONAL)

• Tip #5 - Take lots of detailed pictures of your subject. I will explain this later with an example !

STEP 3 - DRAW THE MAIN OUTLINE OF THE SUBJECT

• When I first started making mazes I tried to have each maze fit on a standard size piece of paper. This made me leave out details I wanted to include and not optimize the shape of the artwork. Now, I make mazes that fit the subject matter- tall, short, boxy. Tip #6 - Don’t worry about “fitting” the maze into a particular size. If a maze needs more room, take it !

STEP 4 - BEGIN THE DESIGN OF THE MAZE

• My best mazes all took the longest amount of time to make. It is not a perfect correlation but it is definitely there. For me, the juice is worth the squeeze. Tip #7 - Slow down and take your time. Don’t rush. Take your time. Get it the way you want it.

STEP 5 - DRAW THE MAZE

STEP 6 - MAKE ANY AESTHETIC CHANGES TO COMPLETE THE MAZE - COLOR, SIZE, BORDER, TITLE

• Not sure if this tip becomes part of step 6 or a new Step 7. Tip #8 - Add as many small details in the maze as possible. Even if they are not relevant to the solving of the maze. In my ‘how - to’ I give this example of a maze of The Alamo - and I repeat it here:

Example 1 - The Alamo

Part 1. I think a lot of people would recognize this maze without a label or title. This maze was done quickly and was made for kids.

Part 2. - Here is the detailed maze of The Alamo Mission which I remade.

Do I even need to comment on which maze has been more popular ? Both are recognizable as the Alamo Mission. What did I do to improve the maze ? I added a lot more detail. I spent more time. And this was not my last version.

Part 3. Even more detail. I added textures, and extended the illustrations to the corners of the paper. Added sky, ground, grass.

Example 2 - The Lotus Temple Maze

This maze is all about shadowing. Depending on your subject matter this could become it’s own tip (Consider adding shadows) It is the #1 thing I struggle with adding or not adding to a maze…here is an example where the use improved the finished product, the Lotus Temple Maze.

This gallery shows 3 versions of the same maze. The first is in black and white. The second with shadows, and the third fully colored. In my opinion the shadows add a lot to the illustration.

Lotus Temple Maze black and white

Lotus Temple Maze with shadows

Lotus Temple Maze in color

Example 3 -  Templo de Sangre de Cristo Photos
I decided to make a maze of a church near my house. I went to the church and took a picture from an angle that I thought would look good. I went through the steps of making the maze…and when I got about 80% done I went back to the church and took more pictures (close-up this time) of items on the church and the surrounding area that could be included in the maze. Here is a collage of some of the details I added ! Similar to the Alamo example, without these details the maze is still good, but adding details enhances the interest in the maze. I will repeat the top again: Tip #5 - Take lots of detailed pictures of your subject.

Can you find the details from the photos above of in the final maze ? Each photo in the above collage can be found below !

Example 4 - The Louvre

This is one of my most popular mazes. A world famous building that everyone knows. But look at it closely. The maze is completely housed in the pyramid. This part of the maze was easy to make. The details of the other buildings of the Louvre in the background have nothing to do with the maze, but without them this maze is completely different. Those buildings took more time to create and really change the illustration. Let’s compare them:

Compare to this version without the background buildings:

Nio background buildings

A few of you might prefer the 2nd cleaner version….but without the label do you know that is the Louvre Museum ? You know it is a pyramid, and a modern one because of the straight lines/edges, but that’s about it.

Tip #9 - Know what you are drawing. This sounds obvious but it is not. I realized this myself while making some of my own mazes. The best example to illustrate this is if I asked you to draw a brick wall. Let’s look at the most common way this would be done below. Looks like a brick wall.

Brick Wall

What did I draw ? I did not draw bricks. I drew the mortar. Maybe it is not important, but maybe it could be. And what did I draw below ? Bricks in a brick wall. Know what you are drawing !

Tip #10 - Make the maze solving fun. This applies for all mazes, but with maze art this will keep people coming back to your work. Tip #11 - Know who you are designing for. These tips go together. If you make a maze for kids do not make it really difficult. If you make a maze for maze enthusiasts, make it more difficult. Mazes for the masses should be medium difficulty. How do you make a maze more enjoyable to solve ? By making the difficulty level equal to the solvers ability. I have written 2 blog posts about how to design a maze with many difficulty levels if you want a deep dive on the subject.

Case Study - Making Maze Art in 3 Different Difficulties

Maze Design Case Study - Designing a Grid Maze in Different Difficulty levels

Here is a summary of all of the maze making tips:

Tip #1 - Make lots of experimental mazes.

Tip #2 - Get feedback.

Tip #3 - Famous landmarks/locations/objects get more interest.

Tip #4 - Leverage your unique skills. Specialize in the maze types you do best.

Tip #5 - Take lots of detailed pictures of your subject.

Tip #6 - Don’t worry about “fitting” the maze into a particular size.

Tip #7 - Slow down and take your time.

Tip #8 - Add as many small details in the maze as possible.

Tip #9 - Know what you are drawing.

Tip #10 - Make the maze solving fun.

Tip #11 - Know who you are designing for.

I hope my 11 tips help you make your own masterpiece ! I think you would also enjoy my blog about Francesco Segala - The world's first maze artist !

Maze Prints for Sale: Decorate Your Home with Mazes

I recently wrote a blog about How to Make Maze Art in 6 “Easy” Steps. Yes, the easy was and is in quotes. I gave many examples from my own library of items that I believe qualify as maze art. Today I want to take you around the internet and show you some examples of maze prints that are for sale.

Each piece is linked to on external sites so when you click on the link you will have the opportunity to buy some very cool pieces ! Now, I will mention that a few of these pieces do NOT have a solvable maze….

Art Maze by Kris Ardrey, Labyrinth Wall Decor

From Etsy. A print available in 2 sizes (A1 and A2). Artwork that looks like a maze. Really cool use of empty spaces to give the maze more interest. I have it shown long ways, but really it could just as easily be hung horizontally.

Animal Alphabet Maze Letters for Full Name Wall Art Print

From Etsy. Mazes of animal themed letters that can be combined to spell words on a children’s wall. Available in 3 sizes. By Jujydesign. Each letter IS a solvable maze ! Everyone loves to have their name made into a maze !! Hopefully you have a short name.

Labyrinthian Metropolis - cityscape art print

From Etsy. From TimStokesArt. A really cool print of a cityscape where the roadways and walkways are all a large maze. Great concept that is well executed. It would be very difficult for someone to see this on the wall and not check it out. Available in 3 sizes. The artist has many other similar looking prints style wise, but this maze one of course was my favorite.

Brutalist Maze Art Print

Spore Maze Art Print

Available on Society6 from maze artist Sean C Jackson. Available in 5 sizes. I suggest checking out his entire store which includes multiple versions of maze prints. These are wonderful, solvable mazes appropriate for all ages. He also has branded books (Star Wars, Marvel and Disney for example) you can purchase thru links on his website.

Whimsical Maze Prints by gorff

The artist gorff has a large amount of prints for sale on redbubble, but I was drawn to their maze section that features 20+ options. Lots of geometrical mazes and some more budget friendly options. Here are 2 to give you an idea of the work, but there are many styles to choose from. 3D Cube Maze & Labyrinth Photographic Print; Colorful Shapes Maze Art Print

A 3D Maze Poster from Pasieka

I found this maze poster on Science Source Prints. Very cool perspective of a 3D maze shown at an angle from above. You can find other maze and labyrinth prints on the site with a quick search, but this is my favorite. I see an entrance in the top right corner….but where is the other break in the outer wall ?

Did you find anything you like ? I think these are some cool prints to decorate a room.

Additional Posts you may like:

Maze items for gift lovers

The Largest Arrow Maze in the World

Free Downloadable Maze books

How to Draw Large Circuit Circular Labyrinths

Today we look at how to digitally make a circular labyrinth with 9 or more circuits. This method is a draw and cut method, meaning you will be making edits that remove lines you have previously drawn as you move thru the steps. It is possible to use a drawing only method but I think it is much more complicated with many more steps. Let’s get started. Here is what you can expect:

PART 1 - CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER OF CIRCUITS

PART 2 - CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER OF SECTIONS

PART 3 - CHOOSE YOUR THICKNESS

PART 4 - STEPS ON HOW TO DRAW THE LARGE CIRCULAR LABYRINTH

PART 1 - CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER OF CIRCUITS

We are covering multiple sizes of labyrinths in this post, so your first task is to choose how many circuits you want your labyrinth to have. From my research project on labyrinths in the US, I found that 87% of labyrinths in the US have an odd number of circuits. This explains why most directions are for odd numbers.

PART 2 - CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER OF SECTIONS

Labyrinths can be broken into sections that typically correspond to the shape of the labyrinth. Triangular labyrinths naturally fit 3 sections, but octagonal labyrinths do not look good with 3 sections. The nice thing about circular labyrinths is that they can look good with any number of sections. Divide 360 by the number of sections you want. That tells you where to place the sections in a 360 degree circle. All of the below are 9 circuit labyrinths, but they have 1, 2, 3, 12, 6 and 4 sections respectively. You can also mix and match sections that are divisible…more on that later.

PART 3 - CHOOSE YOUR THICKNESS

This is just an aesthetic choice that can be adjusted at the end of the process if you are making a digital labyrinth. I prefer the thicker lines for drawing and the thinner lines for real world labyrinths that you walk.

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PART 4 - STEPS ON HOW TO DRAW THE LARGE CIRCULAR LABYRINTH

Step 1: Draw # Concentric Circles

Draw 1 more concentric circle than the number of circuits you want. A 9 circuit labyrinth requires 10 circles. A 17 circuit labyrinth requires 18 circles. Each circle should be an equal distance between one another and centered around the middle circle. The middle circle will become the labyrinths goal. Here are 10 for example:

Step 2: Draw the Inner Walls that become the sections

First draw the final processional pathway to the goal. Use 2 lines to draw a pathway from the center to the bottom edge (notice neither are at 6 o’clock). The right line will stop one circle short of the outer circle. If you want a single section you are ready to move to step 3. Otherwise you need to draw your sections based off of 360/# sections. Here is a 9 circuit with 4 sections showing the “flow” of the labyrinth from goal to start in red. You go in one section (towards the center), then out (away from the center), then in, then out. I noted with blue arrows where the turns will be.

Now the good news, bad news. You can mix sections when creating a labyrinth. In the below step 2 the outer circuit rings are in 2 sections with the inner using 4. Personally, I prefer consistent sections, but they are not required.

Step 3: Add Pathways Where Needed

Create the pathway to the goal by erasing the circle sections at 6 o’clock. Create an entrance to the labyrinth just to the left of 6 o’clock. The other pathways will depend on the number of sections you have. From the goal work backwards, opening turnback’s as needed. Here are what the above labyrinths look like when complete. The first version has 4 sections while the second version is mixed between 2 and 4.

That completes the drawing of a 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth.

In the real world there are not many labyrinths above 11 circuits, but that doesn’t mean we can’t draw them. Let’s do a quick gallery on how to make a 17 circuit circular labyrinth and a 25 circuit using what we just learned. Here is the 17 circuit. 18 concentric circles. 4 sections.

And here is a 25 circuit circular labyrinth. 26 concentric circles. Mixed sections of 2 and 4.

Check out this post to see how other constructions look and compare.

Other posts that may interest you:

10 of the Most Frequently asked Questions about Labyrinths, with Answers

The 8 best books about mazes, labyrinths and their history

The Top 12 Maze Generation Websites

A Comparison of 5 different types of 11 Circuit Labyrinths

I have previously shown how to make a variety of digital labyrinth drawings. The ones I reviewed fell into one of 5 categories: classical labyrinths, square labyrinths, circular labyrinths, octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths. Today we are going to take a quick look at the five different structures and compare them. We will also discuss aesthetics, shapes, and the different symbolism associated with each labyrinth shape. Here is a guide to what will be included. Click on a section to move to it:

PART 1 - LABYRINTH SEEDS AND STARTING PATTERNS

PART 2 - LABYRINTH TURNBACKS AND SECTIONS

PART 3 - LABYRINTH AESTHETICS - THICKNESS / HANDEDNESS / ORIENTATION

PART 4 - FINAL LABYRINTH COMPARISON

PART 5 - ADDITIONAL LABYRINTH SHAPES TO CONSIDER

PART 6 - LABYRINTH SHAPES AND THEIR SYMBOLISM

PART 7 - REAL WORLD LABYRINTH EXAMPLES

PART 1 - LABYRINTH SEEDS AND STARTING PATTERNS

First let’s look at the seed patterns. For the classical and square labyrinths you can use the same seed pattern show below. None of the circular, octagonal, and hexagonal labyrinths have traditional starting seeds beyond their inherent shapes.

Next let’s look at the connections for the labyrinths that use this seed pattern. The difference between a square and classical labyrinth is simple, and that is the shape of the connections between the seed endings. Here is the first move for each, one square and one curved (each makes the destination of the labyrinth).

Both also use the following seed connections to finish the drawing of the labyrinth:

For a square labyrinth you also have a second option to create a larger square goal if you prefer (the seed is shown with a green background guide below). This is more likely to be found in a real world labyrinth to allow labyrinth walkers to have a large center to rest/meditate in. On the right you see the final version of this center goal variation.

What about the starting seeds for the other 3 types of labyrinths ? Well it seems they go their own way. While they also have 11 circuits, the making of them differs significantly from the classical and the square versions. They also have more variety in the way they are constructed, including allowing the creator to make some aesthetic choices along the way.

Let’s first look at the starting patterns:

Circular - 12 concentric circles

Octagonal - 12 concentric octagons

Hexagonal - 12 concentric hexagons

We have consistency here, we just change the shape. If you did not already know, the # of concentric shapes needed is always 1 greater than the number of circuits you want. So, if you wanted to make a 7 circuit pentagonal labyrinth, you need to start with 8 concentric pentagons. If you go back to our seeding pattern for both the square/classical labyrinths you’ll notice that there are 12 seeded connections there also ! So this math is consistent across all constructions.

PART 2 - LABYRINTH TURNBACKS AND SECTIONS

The next step in drawing each of these labyrinths is determining how many turn-backs or sections you would like the labyrinth to have, and it really is your personal choice. There is no standard way to draw the walls and turn-backs like you find with the classical labyrinth. I typically make 4 sections for my step by step instructions, but I have made 1,2,4 and 8 sections for most shapes with one exception, the hexagonal looks best in 6 sections vs. 8 for obvious reasons. Similarly, a pentagon would look natural with 5 sections.

Shown are the 1,2,4, and 8 section octagonal labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 6 section hexagonal labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 8 section circular labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 8 section square labyrinths.

While match will help you determine how many sections fit with each shape I want to mention that circular gives you the most flexibility. 3 sections in an octagon may look awkward, but in a circle it looks great.

Once you have chosen the number of turn-backs, you can also make 3 more design aesthetics:

PART 3 - LABYRINTH AESTHETICS - THICKNESS / HANDEDNESS / ORIENTATION

Wall or Line Thickness:

For my examples, the hexagonal and octagonal labyrinths each used standard equal constructions (the wall and pathway thicknesses were the same). I like the way they look. All of my other examples used a regular construction. Here is what a circular labyrinth would look like in standard equal construction. All labyrinths can be made in either construction. Which do you prefer ?

Left-handed vs. Right-handed Labyrinths:

All 5 versions of these labyrinths can be created as either right handed or left handed. Every example in this discussion so far has been right handed. The left handed versions is the mirror image of what I have shown. What determines this ? The direction of your first turn after you enter the labyrinth ! This is difficult to notice for most people except for the classical labyrinth where it is apparent as shown below (although you would notice the handedness of any labyrinth that you were walking I imagine):

Left handed labyrinth

Right handed labyrinth

Labyrinth Orientation

The last variation applies to only the octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths construction (or any other shape you decide to use). For geometric shapes you may start the initial pathway centered on a wall, as all the above examples have done, or you may start the labyrinth on a corner. Here is the 4 sectioned hexagon labyrinth with each orientation. Notice that the section lines are placed in the same place for each version.

So that concludes our discussion and comparison of the 5 main types of labyrinths. I hope I have inspired you to create your own !

PART 4 - FINAL LABYRINTH COMPARISON

Here is the final comparison of the 5 main labyrinths. Which do you prefer ?

PART 5 - ADDITIONAL LABYRINTH SHAPES TO CONSIDER

Following the basic steps I have outlined you can create additional shaped labyrinths. I think once you get to a decagon (10 sided) and dodecagon (12 sided) regular shaped polygons you are close enough to a circle that that would be the preferred construction. Irregular polygonal shaped labyrinths are possible but typically not drawn, just used in the real world because a rock/tree/other is in the way of the path.

The Triangle Labyrinth. I used this opportunity to divide the labyrinth into 3 sections based on the above discussion.

The Spiral Labyrinth. When you think of spirals you think of a circular shape, but they can also be square shaped spirals. Double spiral labyrinths are also made in the real world so 2 people may walk at the same time. However I am unsure how you count the circuits correctly !!

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11 circuit spiral labyrinth

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11 circuit square spiral labyrinth

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Double Spiral labyrinth

The Diamond Labyrinth. You may create these at any angle. I did 90 degrees which looked like a rotated square and a second at a sharper angle.

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11 Circuit Diamond Labyrinth

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11 Circuit Diamond Labyrinth long version

PART 6 - LABYRINTH SHAPES AND THEIR SYMBOLISM

The symbolism of labyrinths is complex and varied. Some people see them as symbols of the journey of life, while others see them as representations of the universe or the mind. Labyrinths can also be seen as metaphors for the challenges that we face in life and the rewards that we can reap if we persevere. Here is a look at some of the symbolism found in the most common shapes:

Most Classical labyrinths have 7 circuits. The 7 circuits represent the 7 stages of life: birth, childhood, youth, adulthood, middle age, old age, and death.

Square labyrinths are often seen as representing the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water),

Circular labyrinths are often seen as representing the cycle of life.

Hexagonal Labyrinths may have been made for a variety of reasons. One theory is that the number 6 has symbolic significance in many cultures. It is often associated with creation, completion, and balance. For example, in the Bible, God created the world in six days, and the Star of David has six points. It is possible that the builders of labyrinths used the number 6 because they believed that it had special powers or meaning.

PART 7 - REAL WORLD LABYRINTH EXAMPLES

I did extensive labyrinth research and was able to pull together some examples of different shapes you can find in the real world, each featuring 11 circuits. Here are some examples you could visit:

Square Labyrinth. The St. Benedict Church Labyrinth in Hollister, CA is an 11 circuit version made of brick pavers.

Classical Labyrinth. The Church of the Good Shepherd in Yukon, OK is an 11 circuit labyrinth made from pavers placed in the grass.

Chartres Labyrinth. Ideally you would just visit the original in France, but to keep with my theme, the Unity Spiritual Center Labyrinth is a nice version in Sun City, AZ.

Roman Style Labyrinth. The S.O.U.L. Center Labyrinth in Granby, CT has a large 84 foot diameter and is made with rocks.

Spiral Labyrinth. The Goldwell Open Air Museum Labyrinth in Beatty, NV is made from rocks.

Octagonal Labyrinth. The Oasis at Calvary Labyrinth in Ruskin, FL is a beautiful brick paver version. The most famous octagonal version is from Amiens, France.

Medieval Labyrinth. The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery Labyrinth in Bismarck, ND is made from rocks placed in the grass.

Step by step instructions on how to draw over 20 digital labyrinths.