Hi,

I'm working on a novel set in 38 AD Mediterranean that follows a seafaring merchant as he seeks out a living, battles pirates, and deals with trouble at home in Alexandria. It's become clear to me that I would be happier if I had maps of the neighborhoods he lives and interacts in, layouts of the inside of buildings he visits, deck plans of ships (his and the pirate ships), and maps of his journeys. I recently took a course on illustrated maps, which inspired me to create something like that for myself.

In addition, I'm a gamer and would like to create maps for our games.

Finally, I'm married to a historian and I'd like to create historical maps as well.

Currently I'm using Photoshop and Illustrator, but I am very tempted by Ortelius. I've downloaded the demo version and started playing around. I welcome any comments from people using it.

I'm very happy to have found this place!