Cheers from Croatia!

[Calypso]

Hello guildies!

I am from Croatia, been a fan of this site for a while now. Never posted anything, till now was just enjoying stunning art people posted here. I am a d&d player + DM for a bit more than 10 years. For a long I wanted to make some maps, bought few books about it, just love the the art of cartography, thou I never had any experience in any art or drawing ( except watching dozens of tuts here and there) I decided to try to make a first map. As I always see people replying with very constructive critics I've decided to post some progress (dont be harsh, its 1st try ever ).
Anyways, this is really positive community with brilliant artist who makes this guild really a pond if inspiration. Glad to be part of it! Cheers to all!

Calypso

[Greg]

Hi Calypso and welcome to the Guild! I'm pleased you've decided to finally try your hand at your own maps and what a great first piece to post up here.

I really like your use of the thick, solid lines in this piece which give a really defined look to the map. It's a nice shape too and the coastlines work well. You've definitely got the knack for your mountain style there too and I like your river system too (though there are a lot of splits in that bottom left river).

Alongside the books, I imagine you've checked out some of the mapmaking tutorials here (https://www.cartographersguild.com/s...ead.php?t=4276), which although often focussed on working on computer software, still have great tips all round for mapmaking. PLUS you never know, you may decide to try using software too.

Otherwise, one quick pointer would be to add some texturing to the areas of land that are currently just white. Whether some grass lines here and there, or a bit of dirt, or sand dunes, whatever suits your fancy and your world.

Hope to see more of your work on here in the future and feel free to post any works in progress in the appropriate Regional, City, Building, etc subforums for some feedback, or any finished pieces in the Finished Maps section.

[Calypso]

Thank you very much for your opinion, it really motivates! There is a lot of work here I think, this is far from done map! Just wanted to post to get some directions and opinions! As I was using PS alot, I thought to make albeling and maybe even coloring the map in PS. With the river I tried to make delta there, for some swampy area or something like that Will post further progress! Thanks again for kind words!

[Greg]

Thank you very much for your opinion, it really motivates! There is a lot of work here I think, this is far from done map! Just wanted to post to get some directions and opinions! As I was using PS alot, I thought to make albeling and maybe even coloring the map in PS. With the river I tried to make delta there, for some swampy area or something like that Will post further progress! Thanks again for kind words!

No worries! It's a great start and I look forwards to seeing the further progress on it!

[Domino44]

I think this is a very good map, especially for a first timer. I think the overall shape and style of the map is beautiful. The one thing I would really encourage you to work on how precise you draw your lines. From far away the map looks great, but when you zoom in things look a bit messy. It takes more time to do but the effect is wonderful when your lines are bold and precise. That being said this is still a great map and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Calypso]

I think this is a very good map, especially for a first timer. I think the overall shape and style of the map is beautiful. The one thing I would really encourage you to work on how precise you draw your lines. From far away the map looks great, but when you zoom in things look a bit messy. It takes more time to do but the effect is wonderful when your lines are bold and precise. That being said this is still a great map and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

Thank you very much! I looked at the lines and saw exactly what you said, the outline which is messy was drawn with carioca pen all else is with drawing faber castle pens (from 0.1, 0.3 and 0.. Have to buy myself a proper setup will try to practice for the bold outline without messying around!

[Calypso]

Hello,

Havent got much time, but caught some to add a bit more stuff. Still have north and south to fill, but I think its going somewhere; satisfied so far. About "magical forest" or something similar; down south I am not sure to ink or not , thinking of moving it on islands or up north..

What do you guys think? All critics are welcome
Thanks!

[Calypso]

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[Meshon]

I really like this map. What are you using to draw it? Pens? Ink and brush? It's got really nice lines.

cheers,
Meshon

[Greg]

Nice progress on this, Calypso! That crater in the middle looks very nice indeed.

Also, hopefully one of the Guild overlords can move the thread into one of the WIP ones for you.