Every lake on our site comes in two kinds of design: a minimal contour map, offered in a light and a dark version, and a shaded depth-map print. The contour styles are clean line drawings that suit apparel, mugs and small spaces; the shaded depth map fills the lake with tone from shallow to deep and suits a wall. Here is how to choose.
The three designs at a glance
| Design | What it looks like | Often a good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal contour, light | Dark depth lines on a pale background | Posters and canvas in bright rooms, postcards, mugs |
| Minimal contour, dark | Light lines on a dark background | T-shirts and hoodies, stickers, darker walls |
| Shaded depth map | The lake filled with graded tone from shallow to deep | Posters and canvas prints where it can be seen at size |
These are starting points, not rules. All three are printed to order by CafePress on the same product range: T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, canvas prints, stickers and postcards.
When the minimal contour style works well
The contour designs keep only the shoreline and depth lines. That restraint is the point. They read clearly at small sizes, look calm on a shirt, and let the shape of the lake do the work.
They are a strong choice when:
- The lake has a recognizable outline that people know from above.
- You want something understated for clothing or a coffee mug.
- The lake has a busy pattern of lines that already looks like a drawing on its own.
That last point is worth checking. On each lake page we list the number of contour lines in the survey data. A lake such as Cable Lake in Iron County, with 43 contour lines, gives the minimal style plenty of texture. A lake such as Estes Lake in Houghton County, 50 feet deep but drawn with 5 lines, makes a sparse, graphic contour design with a lot of open space.
Light or dark?
Pick based on where the design will live. The dark version tends to suit darker garments and moody rooms; the light version suits pale walls, kitchen mugs and postcards that will be written on. If you are buying for someone else, think about what they already wear or hang, rather than which looks better on a screen.
When the shaded depth map works well
The shaded print fills the water with tone, so deep water and shallow water read as different areas at a glance. It feels more like a classic map and less like a line drawing.
Choose it when:
- The gift is meant for a wall, at poster or canvas size.
- The recipient cares about where the deep water is, for example someone who has spent years on one lake.
- The lake has a dramatic depth range, so the shading has something to show.
For a sense of range, Golden Lake in Iron County reaches 100 feet, while Sixteenmile Lake in Alger County tops out at 10 feet with 19 contour lines. The shading behaves differently on each, and both can make handsome prints.
A quick way to decide
- Wearing it? Start with the minimal contour, usually the dark version on darker fabric.
- Hanging it? Start with the shaded depth map, or the light contour if the room is spare and bright.
- Drinking from it? Light contour mugs keep the lake readable against the glaze.
- Sending it? Postcards in the light contour leave room to write.
A note on how the art is made
Both styles start from the same Michigan DNR lake survey linework, redrawn for print. The how the maps are made page covers the process, and our explainer on the journal walks through how to read contour lines. All designs are decorative and are not intended for navigation.
Each lake page shows its products with a starting price; the final price, any sales and shipping are shown at checkout on CafePress. Find a lake from the Michigan lake index, and check the FAQ if you have questions about ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between your contour and depth-map designs?
The minimal contour design shows only the shoreline and depth lines, in light or dark versions. The shaded depth map fills the lake with tone so shallow and deep water read as different areas.
Which design is better for a T-shirt?
Most people choose the minimal contour for apparel because it stays clear at small sizes. The dark version usually suits darker shirts and hoodies.
Are all designs available on every product?
Each lake has all three designs, printed to order on T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, canvas prints, stickers and postcards. The lake page lists what is available.
Can I see how busy a lake’s design will be before ordering?
Check the contour line count on the lake page. More lines generally means a denser, more detailed drawing.