Erebus (commission map)
This map was created for game writer Tim Russell. Tim actually commissioned three maps, this one, another with different labels, and a third that was a blowup of the NE section of this map. It was a lot of fun to do these and I was delighted myself with how well they all came together.
Cornelia Yoder - Erebus.jpg
Last edited by Chick; 11-21-2015 at 07:29 PM.
Love the map. Hate the labels. Too much white! It just feels cramped and overly busy to me, and it's well-nigh impossible to really focus on any of the beautiful geography that you've laid out beneath it.
Thank you for the portion of that which was a compliment, Diamond
The labels were definitely a jigsaw and with so many underlying colors, nothing else made them readable. Personally I like the contrast, but I do agree it hides some of the terrain. Sorry you don't like them, but just in case you'd like to see only the terrain ...
Erebus no labels.jpg
Good colours, fine map.
Good work on this Chick! I like a lot the colors and how you manage the sea (and that whirlpool). I kinda agree with Diamond about the white labels, though.
Originally Posted by Sapiento
Thank you both very much!
So what color(s) would you use, so that all those labels are readable right down to the tiny river names? I did use blue on the water, but I can't find anything but white that works on the land.
Last edited by Chick; 11-23-2015 at 12:36 AM.
As you have very small labels the options are limited. I think that white or black labels with contrasting dark or bright strokes/outer glows are the best options. I like the version with the current white labels.
What about changing the white color to an aged yellow/brown parchment-y color (not too dark) and then adding a black outer glow (again, not too dark)?
Diamond, thank you for the suggestion. I tried this, and it did look quite good, in fact better than I expected, but I would never discount any suggestion from someone of your skill
It looks real nice, but to my eye it makes the map very subdued. So I tried lightening the parchment color by degrees, and each one looked better to me, until I finally got to white. White looked the best to me even with the dark glow you suggested, it just makes the map brighter. So I sent a parchment-colored one to my client and asked which he liked best, and he stuck with the pure white one. So I'm going to chalk this one up to personal taste. I like the more striking look of the bright white, but I do see exactly what you are saying about a less stark look as well.
Thank you for taking the time to think about this and make the suggestion! I'm sure it will be a factor for me in the future
Lovely map Chick. The mountains are really nice.
Cheers,
-Arsheesh
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