This or that...

[NedS298]

Well, I've been working non-stop for a few hours and I've come up with a final result. However, the result comes in two variations: a coloured, textured version and an (almost) black and white version. My question is, which is better and if neither of them are any good anyway then what do I need to do? Obviously, they're not labelled yet, but I'l post as soon as they are.

coloured test.png

b&w test.png

[Freodin]

Depends on what you want to use them for. If this is going to be printed, the B&W version is of course the way to go. For online presentation, the textured version adds more flair.

Both versions look good in their execution, so I wouldn't decide between them. But I'd say that in order to turn them into really good presentable maps, you should add some kind of border.

[NedS298]

Thanks. This won't be going into print or anything, so I guess that means I'll be going with the first style - though I'll keep updating the second one so I have two versions (I like to have a couple). I just posted because I felt that the coloured version didn't have enough contrast to be perfectly clear.

[JonPin]

I agree, a border would make the map more presentable. As for the color, I personaly love B&W maps.

[mthomas768]

Personally, I like the colorized version better. To my eye the B&W needs a little more oomph to distinguish land vs. water.

Border would definitely be a plus to both.

[NedS298]

Here's the result. Tell me what you think.

Finished1.png

[Wired]

Here's the result. Tell me what you think.

Finished1.png

I like it, but the font makes it hard to read. For the city names I'd go with something more plain, and with a thinner black stroke around the letters. Also, the north-east looks a bit barren to me.

[Schwarzkreuz]

I like it, but the font makes it hard to read. For the city names I'd go with something more plain, and with a thinner black stroke around the letters. Also, the north-east looks a bit barren to me.

Maybe just Black fonts. I am not a fan of countour fonts on light background anyway. AMkes it harder too read unnessesary

[NedS298]

Thanks for that, I'll post when I'm finished. The NE corner of the map was meant to be barren because it was a desert, though perhaps it is too barren. A mountain range would do the trick, I think.

[Wired]

Maybe just Black fonts. I am not a fan of countour fonts on light background anyway. AMkes it harder too read unnessesary

Yes, probably works better with that style of map.

Thanks for that, I'll post when I'm finished. The NE corner of the map was meant to be barren because it was a desert, though perhaps it is too barren. A mountain range would do the trick, I think.

A couple of hills, maybe, or just some brush strokes to indicate that it's steppe/a desert would be enough, IMO.