January/February 2025 Challenge: Land of the Three Sisters

[Ilanthar]

I really like what you're doing with this one! Very original and with a very efficient paint look & design.

[Turambar]

I really like what you're doing with this one! Very original and with a very efficient paint look & design.

Thank you Ilanthar!

I am struggling with how I should depict towns and cities on this kind of map. I originally was thinking icons, but am leaning more towards simple markers, given the style (and one of the cities is underground). What do you all think?

[Turambar]

I made some more progress and added some tentative location markers.

Screenshot 2025-01-26 220352.jpg

### Latest WIP ###

[Diamond]

Have you considered doing simple icons with vertical lines and a shadow? I only ask because the round icons look like they're floating, probably due to the perspective.

[The Elderly Cartographer]

Very dynamic!
I agree with Diamond. The icons look like they are floating. That being said, I don't think it harms the map any. Maybe you could put oval shadows beneath them and really make them float...

[Turambar]

Have you considered doing simple icons with vertical lines and a shadow? I only ask because the round icons look like they're floating, probably due to the perspective.

Very dynamic!
I agree with Diamond. The icons look like they are floating. That being said, I don't think it harms the map any. Maybe you could put oval shadows beneath them and really make them float...

Does it look any better once the labels are added, or do they still look off?

Screenshot 2025-01-26 220352.jpg

### Latest WIP ###

[The Elderly Cartographer]

I don't see a problem with them... I think, it is just a matter of opinion and a matter of artistry. Icons are supposed to be artistic elements on the map, because in reality a city is not a giant black circle with its name hovering in the sky above them . Therefore, it really depends on whether you want the icons to look like they are painted on the landscape or painted on the canvas.

I would say, whatever looks good to you.

[Turambar]

I don't see a problem with them... I think, it is just a matter of opinion and a matter of artistry. Icons are supposed to be artistic elements on the map, because in reality a city is not a giant black circle with its name hovering in the sky above them . Therefore, it really depends on whether you want the icons to look like they are painted on the landscape or painted on the canvas.

I would say, whatever looks good to you.

I agree, I often prefer illustration icons myself, but not sure that they would look good here. a complicating factor is that one of these cities is entirely underground. I am leaning towards keeping the markers simple.

[Turambar]

Screenshot 2025-01-29 000658.jpg

I think I am getting close to complete with this one. What do you all think so far, especially of the compass?

### Latest WIP ###

[Simkin]

Really nice map, Turambar. Original and well executed.