Hey just wanted to say a few things about my time here at the guild.
I am celebrating two years as a member this month, and in this time I have met some incredibly creative cartographers who have graciously shared their talent and expertise. It has been a joy to watch J. Edwards continue to push the boundaries of map making in format, drawing styles, new techniques; seeing Max continue to create incredible pieces of art. Sapiento's beautiful mountains and drawing style - which I admit I copied. Mike Schely, Arsheesh, Akae, Onez, Daelin, xplian, HoarseWhisper, Larb, Ilanthar, Tom, Caenwyr, Blaidd, HugoSolis, Taintotim, Diamond, and so many others I admire and learn from and each week new talents emerge. Thanks to Robbie for keeping this thing running smoothly. Boogie and the other Leadership for so many awesome challenges and finding ways to push all of us to be better.
And to all the ones you give such great critiques filled with insight and helpful suggestions, which almost always in positive and well thought out statements. Thanks Chick Pea, Mouse, Ilanthar, Boogie, J. Edwards, Diamond, JosiahVE, Daniel,Meshon, Thomrey, AbuLafia and many others again for making my maps better.
New Comers, take a look at some of the members portfolios and see their first maps and where they are now. Two years later am quite proud of how far I've come. The tutorials and step by step WIP help me so much in the process of designing a map, building the files, coloring and line work.
I had very little experience with Photoshop before I began, but know feel comfortable enough now, that it isn't the thing that keeps my creations from coming to life, it's my talent, not the technology. I can say that I woke up 90% of the time each day and drew or looked at this site or maps from it for around 2 hours each morning and of course on weekend sometimes my wife pulling me away after 12 hours of being lost in a drawing and world. Hopefully it shows in my work .
So sorry for being long winded, I try not to most of the time, but just wanted to say a big thank you for two incredible years of pursuing a passion, and having a group that shares it.
Here's my first map done two years ago. Cheers!Cortast_Map.jpg