Gensokyo

[Larb]

Did this a little while back, thought I'd post it. Getting the composition right was pretty difficult and colouring it even more so. Never done a map in this style before and I'd like to try it on something a little more serious. The border was also just me playing around as well. It was fun to make though.

I actually tried making this map twice before at someone's suggestion, but previous attempts didn't turn out great. I am mostly pleased with this version though I'm sure I could do better next time. I might try my Duchy of Galbrin map in the same style but with softer outlines and more pastel tones or something!

[Steel General]

Nice! Kind of has a bit of a Matt Groenig vibe to it.

[Ascension]

I was thinking it reminded me of Springfield a lil bit.

[Sapiento]

That's really nice!

[ravells]

Lovely map! I really like how the colours, images, font and composition contribute to the cutsey feel to it, gives it a ton of character.

Can you tell us a little more about how you went about making it?

[torstan]

I agree. This is a lovely map. I'd definitely be interested in hearing more about it. Well done.

[Larb]

Thanks for all the compliments! This whole thing was a fun experiment.

I did it all in photoshop, started with a white background then on another layer, I drew all the outlines with a 2/3px hard mechanical brush. Then I basically coloured it all in by hand, doing each bit on its own layer. Tried to stick with bold colours mainly, rather than the more desaturated palette I usually use. I tried a dawn/twilight palette at first, but it didn't work out.

The skyline uses a gradiant as does the forest, which fades into a darker green. The forest also has an inner shadow to give it the illusion of depth (oh how I love layer styles). The sunbeam was just a solid yellow bit, blurred and then the layer turned to soft light.
Oh, and the leaves were a brush I found ages ago from brusheezy or something. I was originally going to go with cherry blossom but I couldn't get it too look right. I wanted to try an interesting border though the mountains are supposed to sort of frame the whole thing anyway.

[11gernez]

... do you happen to know touhou.... lol