First what programs you will use to do your maps? Are you doing by hand? Do you want free softwares?
Here is a link to a software company that you may like: http://www.profantasy.com/
I have been looking around the internet, and here, to see if anyone has attempted or completed any maps for Judges Guild - Wilderlands of High Fantasy. I can't seem to find anything so I'm thinking this may be worth taking on. The standard maps are boring and lack the kind of detail I'd like, plus many cities/areas have not been fully mapped.
I definitely don't have the talent that I see represented in many of the projects on this site, but hopefully with some guidance I can produce something worth presenting. So if you've seen anything that I may have missed, please let me know. Otherwise, to those pro's out there, any 'getting started' pointers are welcome!![]()
First what programs you will use to do your maps? Are you doing by hand? Do you want free softwares?
Here is a link to a software company that you may like: http://www.profantasy.com/
I've tried the demo version of it but the learning curve seemed pretty steep. I have years of experience with Photoshop, not doing anything grand but I know the software really well. However, I've never done any mapping with Photoshop. I have done some mapping for a Traveller campaign using Hexographer but not sure if I can achieve the level of detail I'd like with it.
Maybe I should take another look at CC3, just watched the tutorial and it does look impressive. Perhaps a combination of CC3 and Photoshop (to fine-tune the finished product).
I use almost everytihng of ProFantasy plus Fractal Terrains 3 to do all my map stuff. The annuals have a lot of good material. But Photoshop is a great tool. Maybe you dont need CC. There is GIMP (its free), maybe you want to take a look on it.
If you know your way around Photoshop then stick with that. You've already won half the battle. Just follow a tutorial or two and you'll be fine and figuring out all your own methods real quickly. In my opinion you are correct about Campaign Cartographer - it has quite a steep (and kind of unintuitive) learning curve. Some of those that use it can create some fantastic maps, people like Gandwarf and I think it's Cereth that is doing great stuff with the city designer but they are the exception.
Royal: I'm very sorry for your loss, your mother was a terribly attractive woman.
My Cartographer's Guild maps: Finished Maps
More maps viewable at my DeviantArt page: Ramah-Palmer DeviantArt