Sketch style Trees & Villages clip art and how to do forest fills

[wisp]

I'm just starting out and had a couple questions if you wouldn't mind helping me out.

1. I was looking for sketch style trees and villages similar to those found in Campaign Cartographer Symbol Set 1:

http://www.mapventures.com/ (example harabar)

and Annual 2011's Jon Roberts Overland style
http://sub.profantasy.com/2011/

Anyone know where I can find this type of clipart for free? I did a google search but no luck. Most don't fit the fantasy style I'm going for.

2. Second question is how do I create forest fills like those on the Jon Roberts Overland maps? Is there a PhotoShop or other tutorial you'd recommend?

Thanks!

[Diamond]

Hey, welcome to the CG, wisp.

1. There are some good brush sets both here and on Deviant Art that have decent trees/forests in them, especially StarRaven's set(s). If you have a graphics program (heck, even just Paint), it's fairly easy to use them. Ultimately though, the best advice I can give is to learn to draw your own. It's great using other folks' brushes or clipart (as long as you have permission), but eventually you want a style all your own. Of course, the level of artistic ability differs from person to person, but I really think just about anyone can learn to draw a decent tree or mountain. It just takes patience and perseverance.

2. Someone here at the Guild invented a program called The Tree Thing, and I cannot for the life of me remember who it is, but if you do a search for 'tree thing', you should find it. It might be just what you're looking for.

Hope that helps.

[wisp]

Thanks for your advice and for welcoming me to the forum Diamond.

I have an artistic eye, but music is my main art. I've always loved fantasy maps and play D&D. I was contemplating a story and thought I'd create the map first. I have Photoshop CS3 and have gone through two entire video tutorials so far with some encouraging results. I think I might be able to figure out a forest texture with the clouds filter.

However as far as the actual hand drawing; I haven't drawn since I was young so I don't think I'd be able to draw as well as that. I'm very amateur at drawing. I think I have it in me but it will take time to unlock. I have tried some trees but they aren't as good. I'll keep practicing and see what I come up with. I did find some nice free clipart ones that can be used freely. I thought there might be a fantasy art depository or something of that sort somewhere I didn't know about. Something like symbol catalogs.

I searched the tree thing and found this tool which I tried. It's pretty neat:

http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...9-forest-maker