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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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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?..... ...
Once again I find myself in the claws of artistic crisis. I have been away from mapping for some time now and find myself both bereft of motivation and for the first time also of inspiration. To add to that, I have discovered that I don't really make maps. Let me explain with a couple of pictures. Here's one of a recent work that I completed Now I am happy with the way it turned out. It fits the story I am trying to tell and it looks pleasing, ...
Updated 12-26-2013 at 04:41 PM by jtougas
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.
It's been a while. I decided to check up on the old mapping community. I kind of miss the simple joys of mapping prior to all the other fantasy I'm working on. I had meant to blog next about my epic city Doljinaar, City of Kings, but alas my toil has been for naught and I have thus far failed to create my epic city map. Trouble is, I have this idea for an epic vertical map I need to go alongside with my top view of the city I've completed already. Try and try as I may, I lack the art skills to pull ...
Dear cartographers, I am looking for assistance to create a new Ticket to Ride map on Mongolia. I am starting to use Inkscape, though I have yet limited knowledge in using drawing softwares. 2 main challenges: 1 - To create an elegant background, looking like old maps 2 - To create an adjustable network of cities linked by connecting paths. Conditions for the city/path network: - I should be able to move the cities and have the connected paths ...