need advoce on what software to get

[Jacob Rabinowitz]

I need to make maps and genealogies for a translation of Dante's Purgatorio. It is being presented as a 14th century fantasy novel in verse, so the aesthetic is totally Tolkein. I have maps already, made by tracing public domain maps and labeling the rivers, cities &c. needed for each. Now I need some software that will allow me to take the graphics I have turn them into professional looking fantasy maps with mountains and rivers and compass roses and all the rest. Ditto for the genealogies: I need software that will make these please the eye of a serious gamer. Suggestions gratefully awaited!

[Cédric H.]

Well the only think that I can suggest from personal experience would be wonderdraft but it is not free. Inkarnate has a free version but I don't think you will be able to do the style you want using it. If you can draw, Photoshop, Gimp or similar software would be your best bet.

[Jacob Rabinowitz]

Well the only think that I can suggest from personal experience would be wonderdraft but it is not free. Inkarnate has a free version but I don't think you will be able to do the style you want using it. If you can draw, Photoshop, Gimp or similar software would be your best bet.

I spent the entire day playing with gimp and reading tutorials. Traced the world according to Herodotus pixel by pixel, by then found myself unable to separate land from sea with a mask or selection (those little Greeek islands!) I think what I require is something with templates for globes and if possible for historical Europe. Though money is not something I can throw around lightly, for something that will get the job done I will pay a few hundred. Will look into Wonderdraft. Thanks for your reply!

[Azélor]

Traced the world according to Herodotus pixel by pixel, by then found myself unable to separate land from sea with a mask or selection (those little Greeek islands!)

You need to put the land and sea on different layers.

[Tiana]

Other World Mapper has been serving me well in the short time I've been using it, although I don't find it a complete replacement for an image studio. It would definitely solve the issue with land and sea being stuck to each other.