This is my first attempt at making a modern map. I chose to map out an archipelago because I've always been fascinated by the phenomenon.
I started by drawing out the coastlines by hand. The colours I used are the standard ones, used in real modern maps. I chose to tweak the scale a bit to make the islands more mountain-ish with steeper slopes.
The symbols I used are also standard, at least the roads, mountains and the Major Settlements, somewhere in between I realized that some of the bigger settlements aren't sea connected and will need smaller seaside settlements in order to do trade and travel.
I used only Times New Roman but different styles and sizes for different things.
I tried to make the rivers as realistic as I could since I found out there was a river police.
At last the toponymy itself is inspired by British and Sanskrit language and history. The point of this was to simulate a place in a time post-foreign interference.
Software Used: Photoshop

Looking forward to critique and tips on how to improve.

Toldirian Archipelago.png