Welcome!
The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.
Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.
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I've noticed lately that there are quite a few city maps popping up here at the Guild. I think that is great. mappers are bravely going off to map these labyrinths of streets and buildings and getting it right. I wonder what the base fear we all have of cities is? Does it have to do with filling ALL that empty space with buildings? Is it getting it to look like something other than a neat orderly grid? If you're anything like me orderly just doesn't feel right. I love a maze of twisted alleys along ...
Well here I am again. Another long absence and another challenge to get me back into the swing. I think I've figured out what happens to me during these "sabbaticals" I take. I tend to have several hundred ideas going round in my head (rather like a hamster that has had a Haste spell cast on it) and sometimes I try to go off and do them all or the biggest one and go directly from inspired to overwhelmed to burnt out all in the span of days. Identifying the problem is key to finding the ...
It had very nearly been the end of him this time. A journey far into the wilds to a land of magical machines and inventions to stagger the mind. He grew old now even if his mind refused to relent to the old enemy of passing days, his body was ready to wave the flag of surrender. His hair grew long as his did his beard. Gone was the freshness of youth, replaced by the cragginess and wisdom of age. He had never been quite so grateful to see the warm yellow light of the guild windows and the smell ...
Sometimes when your digging around for inspiration on one project, something entirely different comes along and sparks your creative fire. This is not a map (which is why I am posting it here) but it was a fun little project. The base shape is one of my container shapes for my doomed Lite Challenge. I started out working to refine the base object a little and as usually happens, my mind went off on it's own and dragged me along. What mysteries lurk behind the door to Section 14-A?..... ...
The halls of the Guild were warm and smelled of dust and aging paper. He inhaled deeply and felt a broad grin split his wind weathered face. He had been gone far too long this time and was glad to be back among the old friends and new faces.... Another long absence and another joyful return. I have been gone too long and am looking forward to once again being an active member of this wonderful community.