Hand drawn maps

[Impractical Cartographer]

I'd like to show you some of my maps. I draw them manually, I don't use graphics programs and tablets. I also very rarely do scans of my work - I more often give them to friends and family as gifts. But to the point.

I have not found many tutorials on the Internet about manual drawing and coloring maps. There are some tutorials on calligraphy and colored pencils. but I've never found a complete hand-drawing map course anywhere. Maybe you know one?

I had a lot of problems at the beginning. How to start drawing? What do I put on the map first? When to give the inscriptions, and when to give the contours? How to choose the right ink, paper, and markers. How to colour large areas. And so on.


Middle-Earth - that was my first map that I was proud of


My first successful (?) approach to the top-down perspective


Maps of the Witcher's Universe...


...where I try to improve my style

I think I've made a lot of progress over the past year, but I'll be grateful for all the comments and tips that will make me draw better.

Yours sincerely
Impractical Cartographer

[Baron]

Your work is beautiful, and you can be proud. That having been said, many artists feel good if they "keep on learning," much as working musicians will attend master classes. Feel free to browse through art technique books at your local store or online. Some artists also like to work with others, in a studio or some other group. The most important thing is to keep it up! Good luck.

[Kellerica]

I'll echo Baron; these look absolutely beautiful. I would like to see a scan or at least a picture of the full work, though, in order to really appreciate is.

[Severaph]

This is so well done.
I love every one of those. Congrats and keep up the good work !
Thanks a lot for sharing !

[Voolf]

Really beautiful maps. You should be proud of every one of them. It's been a while since i have seen such well done coloured pencils map.

[Eilathen]

Wow, I am a big fan of the Middle-Earth map. Looks absolutely beautiful. And all that work!! Holy-moly ^^ You have my admiration! Have some well deserved Rep.!

[Wingshaw]

I'd say you've got some pretty serious skills, to make those maps! They look amazing. I'm very impressed that you not only did them in traditional media, but you were able to keep the image very clean and readable at the same time. Definitely rep-worthy.

Wingshaw

[J.Edward]

Very well crafted and attractive maps, IC.
Working in the arts has always been a matter of trial and error, experimentation, and such.
I suppose at one point people could apprentice with a master artist and learn, but that isn't very common these days.

There may not be any map-specific tutorial content for traditional style, but there are tons of videos and tutorials utilizing the traditional mediums.
That said, you seem like you have achieved a quality look already, so maybe you are the person to make those tutorials based on what you've learned.

[Eklipse]

Always great to see some high quality LOTR maps. These look breathtaking.

[killerklown]

I'm new to mapping, and i started with a hand-drawn approach and i really envy your skills ! I'd like to be that good already...
Thanks for sharing this beautiful work !