Hasta La Ideas

What happens when when the ABCs meet Google Map’s street views? Using the online superpower’s vast database of photography, Budapest-based designer Lehel Kovács illustrates a partial alphabet of locations such as Florence, Indianapolis and Ostrava in a series of vignettes.

Kovács’ whimsically simple style strips each picture down to near outline form, strategically coloring them to highlight each place’s main attraction.

With a degree in window display, Kovács has a great sense of how to set the scene for a compelling portrait, which he compliments with his equally charming descriptive calligraphy.

The freelance illustrator’s work graces newspapers from The Guardian to The New York Times, and last year his “Royal Bluff” illustration was chosen as a new graphic for Threadless tees. Prints of Kovács’ work can be purchased from his online shop.

See more of his work after the jump.