Hi Everyone!

[Compass Rose]

Yay it's working! My name's Megan, but I go by Compass Rose online. I draw for work and fun and while I mostly do Disney-style cartoons, I've always been into realistic maps. I actually came across your site quite awhile ago, but I'd like to put some renewed focus on maps (my nephew has gotten really into them, and I'm going to stream some I make for him or for D&D). So I thought it was a good time to join and to learn. The work on here is super inspiring.

I like emulating all different types and eras. The Compass Rose stuff has a 1930s bent, but I'm also working on maps for the old west, toontown, and our many fantasy pen-and-paper games. (I prefer Pathfinder, though all my friends are on the 5e train now.) I'm also interested in exploring "life maps" (if there's even a name for such a thing) where you draw a symbolic map of a life thus far, as well as those neat maps I've seen folks make laying out the plot of a novel. I used to collect antique compasses but it got a bit pricey; now I make do with a dopey collection of video game maps that spoke to me in some way growing up lol.

It's nice to meet all of you! I am really exited to learn more techniques. I went to art school instead of real school, so I'm particularly interested in geographic elements such as how deserts occur next to mountains or the ways that rivers branch out. The sorts of natural things to ensure my larger scale maps will feel realistic.

[Kellerica]

Hello there! Just reading you describe your drawing hobby makes me excited to see your work. There is plenty of wonderfully tutorials over the How To section of the forums, and you can always find some brains to pick over the WIP mapping sections.

I have dabbled a bit with the 'life maps' you mentioned, a friend of my family actually commissioned me me for one a few years back. Her husband was turning 50, and she wanted to give a map depicting his life so far as a gift. It was a really interesting project to work with, and I think it's a really neat idea for a gift.

Welcome to the Guild, hopefully I'll see you around!