First attempt

[ThomasR]

Hello everybody,

I'm Thomas and I stumbled upon the guild a couple month ago trying to find resources for a map I was building (it's for a french RPG named "Oltrée !").

The great artworks you share and the advices you give helped me a great deal so, thanks a lot for all this.

Today, I finally reached the end of my journey and find myself with a map that satisfies me and I would like to share it with you. I'm opened to every bit of advice or criticism you can spare. I'm a complete amateur and could use a lot of help.

I did everything using Photoshop (which I discovered for this project) and my touchpad ... except the first draft which was handmade with fountain pens.

Here are some steps of my work (hope I won't make a mess while posting the images).

Thanks for your help.

Thomas

[J.Edward]

Welcome to the Guild Thomas.
It looks like you've come a long way since that first drawn map.
I would say that your next step would be to add some highlights to the mountains, hills, trees and such.
I did a quick thing to show you.
It's just a hardlight layer with a basic brush using an off white cream tone and a smudge brush after.
Carte 7.jpg
That will give you some extra zing to your maps.
Some of these highlights are a bit harsh but this was just a fast sample.

[ThomasR]

Thanks a lot J. I'll try it as soon as possible, it truly changes the look of it, giving it depth !

[NateVz]

Yeah, those highlights are sweet. But good work OP!