Atlas Isles, a political map

[OUdaveguy98]

I haven't tackled a cartographic project in about a year now and have been trying to learn some of the cartographic secrets and techniques for political maps. I present the "Atlas Isles;" a shameless imitation of Warlin's incredible work, "Atlantide, a political map." I was unable to reproduce his hachure topography style (did he do it in Photoshop?), but I still managed to inject a number of highlights from his map as inspiration for this project. As always, feedback from the pros here is greatly appreciated! Cheers!

Note: Everything made from scratch in Adobe Illustrator with the caveat that I did recycle a few icons from previous projects I've completed.

[DanielHasenbos]

Great looking map! The flags are a nice extra touch!

[OUdaveguy98]

Thanks so much!

[Tiana]

Hachure is usually done in Illustrator as far as I know, using a brush to make a ribbon out of it. It is completely fair to reuse assets you've made unless you have been requested to sell 100% of the rights of the art to the commissioner. Anyway, it looks nice. The one thing I would do differently is progressively fade the echo lines around the water. That might be a feature of the original style you are trying to mimic or a personal choice. I do enjoy the flags! A nice touch.

[OUdaveguy98]

Thanks so much for the kind words and suggestions; totally agree on fading the echo lines. I'll look into using brushes next to save time on future projects!

[Kellerica]

I'll echo the others, it's a very pleasing map to look at. Clear and readable, and while the inspiration is clear, it's still distinct enough to look like yours. Nice muted colour scheme as well. Nice job!

The one thing I would do differently is progressively fade the echo lines around the water. That might be a feature of the original style you are trying to mimic or a personal choice.

This I will have to second.

[OUdaveguy98]

Thanks Kellerica!

[OUdaveguy98]

Tiana, you were right about the hachure technique in Illustrator; i was able to produce the effect I'm looking for and will definitely try on my next project! Thanks again!

[- JO -]

Very nice job ! I love this "old atlas" look ! (and it's so appropriate here !) and you managed to draw it perfectly !
Special mention for the names of the countries... (and the flags, too... I love the flags)

[OUdaveguy98]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Cheers!