Some of my Myst maps

[SandmanNet]

So, I have been working on and off for four years on my digital Myst books, I'm done with the first book, covering the first game; Myst and I am currently working on the second book which is about Riven.

In these books, maps of the islands need to be drawn, so I thought I'd submit three from the Myst book here. I'm new to the forum and I've asked some questions about map making to enhance these and make them better. You can read a bit about the process here:

http://sandman.net/myst

Basically, I use a Wacom Cintiq to draw the maps, and mainly Photoshop. I use this for all the illustrations in the books, not only the maps. I am trying to get a nice hand-drawn look to the maps, yet try to fit as much detail as possible and I am constantly trying to make them better. The ones in the books are the current versions.

You can even click on the Riven book and see a sketch of the Temple island map. I am currently working on the Jungle island map in Riven and I am trying to make mountain ridges look better than they have. I dislike my take on stones and ridges and wanted a more map-like look of erosion and shading. I was (on this board) told that it looked fine though so I'm unsure as to how to make myself more satisfied with it

Stoneship.pngMyst.pngSelentic.png

I'm new to the forum, so I apologize if I'm making any rookie mistakes

[arsheesh]

Like I said in your other thread, very nicely done! Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

[SandmanNet]

Like I said in your other thread, very nicely done! Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

Thanks. I am currently working on the Riven Jungle Island map and using this hand drawn style for the mountain/stone ridges. I'll post it here when done.

[jtougas]

Very nice !!

[SandmanNet]

Very nice !!

Thanks!

[Midgardsormr]

Superb!

I think probably the best way to improve your shaded relief is to simply look at a lot of what other artists have done. Take a look at this site: http://www.shadedreliefarchive.com/ Just immerse yourself in the artwork and try to see how you can transfer the looks that you see into your own painting. The best-looking relief has always been created manually.

[SandmanNet]

Superb!

I think probably the best way to improve your shaded relief is to simply look at a lot of what other artists have done. Take a look at this site: http://www.shadedreliefarchive.com/ Just immerse yourself in the artwork and try to see how you can transfer the looks that you see into your own painting. The best-looking relief has always been created manually.

That was a very good link. Thanks!

[ravells]

I would love to see how you go about drawing and shading your mountains - it's some of the best shaded relief drawing I've seen. Do you have time to do a small tutorial or just some screenshots with explanations as to how you go about it?

Many thanks!

Ravs

[SandmanNet]

I would love to see how you go about drawing and shading your mountains - it's some of the best shaded relief drawing I've seen. Do you have time to do a small tutorial or just some screenshots with explanations as to how you go about it?

Many thanks!

Ravs

Seriously? I think my stone/mountain shading isn't all that good. I hate it on Stoneship map (the one with the boat stuck in the rock) for instance. I am currently working on two Riven maps, and I am really trying to improve my shading skills. I'll post a progress image of it. As for tutorial, I'm not sure how such a tutorial would look.

[ravells]

When I meant, best shaded relief drawing I've seen, I meant on this site...of course the real shaded relief drawing professionals produce incredible work (although I suspect they are a dying breed since most of it is done by software these days). You have probably already seen this site which has some tips. Tom Patterson's site is also one of the best on the web (and he answers emails!). Screenshots of the steps would be great to see!

Cheers

Ravs