Askhatha Lokh-so ta Kathom

[mewo2]

So, this is my first attempt at a fully finished map - I've always done sketches and things which I've got bored with and abandoned.

These are the islands of Askhatha and Lokh (locally "Askhatha Lokh-so ta Kathom"). I challenged myself not to include any English text on the map, so there's a rather underdeveloped conlang in place. No scale as yet, but I'm imagining an area a few hundred kilometers across.

Askhatha-Lokh-so-ta-Kathom.jpg

Visually, I'm quite happy with the labeling and the colours, but I think the mountains are a little bit blobby and indistinct. I feel like some additional linework (maybe some rhumb lines or similar) would help make it feel less "sketchy". Also, I'd like to add a border and some other paraphernalia like a compass rose.

Thoughts and comments welcome!

[mewo2]

Updated slightly.

Better mountains, some rhumb lines and a border. Still not 100% satisfied - I think there's something off about the composition - but I'm not sure where to go from here.

Askhatha-Lokh-so-ta-Kathom-v2.jpg

[AzurePlanet]

Hi mewo2!
Welcome to the Cartographers' Guild!
Well, as a first attempt at a fully finished map, I think you've done a very good work here!
I like just everything in your map: shapes of islands and position of features, choice of colours, fonts and the conlang.
The "sketchy" look is not too bad to me, however it could be seen as a new start point.
Have some rep for this map!

[Diamond]

I like it. Cool landforms, great color, no river violations, everything's legible. I love the tidal rings - they look great.

[mewo2]

Thanks for the comments!

[mewo2]

Okay, a few minor tweaks - some more texture on the land surface, moved some of the labels further from the map edge, swapped the parchment texture, fiddled with the colours ever so slightly to compensate for the new background.

Askhatha-Lokh-so-ta-Kathom-v3.jpg

I think I'm going to let this sit for a day or two, then if I can't see anything that needs fixing, I'll call it done.

[ThomasR]

Very nice map ! I love the general feeling and the mixed style you went for.

[Pixie]

For a first effort, this is amazing. I've just repped you (increased your reputation as a cartographer). The colors are well done, the geographical elements are balanced and the coastline is 100% plausible.

Given your obvious abilities, on the next one (I think there should be a next one), I suggest you start with this in mind: "When was this map drawn, by who, for who, and with what resources..."
The whole piece will be more coherent when you frame it with answers to these questions.

[- JO -]

Very nice map: small, but with everything you need! Beautiful mountains, successful forests! Congratulations!