Hello from Vegas

[Larry]

Hello!

First I would like to say thanks for all those who share their amazing talents and time with this site. It is very inspiring! I recently got hooked on maps when I had to gather some based on story books. I soon got caught up in exploring them and amazed at there detail and creativity. I then tried to draw my own....wow, way harder then I could imagine. I bought a small wacom tablet that came with painter essentials and although I get frustrated a lot because they don't look like I want them to, I can stop! I hope to get some good criticism to help me get better.

Thanks

[J.Edward]

Welcome to the Guild Larry.
You're definitely in the right place to get help and advice on mapping.
I used painter essentials many years ago. I can't recall how useful it would be for mapping - I guess more artistic mapping maybe.
There's an article on some low cost or free software that might be of interest to you.
Maps are such an integral part of telling stories of imaginary places, and a core part of our human experience.
It's truly a fun and engaging way to spend some time.
Cheers,
John

[Chick]

Hello Larry, Welcome to the Guild!

To get you started, there is a great tutorial in the sticky section of Tutorials, called
Quickstart Guide to Fantasy Mapping: http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=4276

From there, go to
Hand Drawn Mapping for the Artistically Challenged: http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ad.php?t=10655

Once you have completed those two tutorials, you'll be well on your way!!

And be sure not to miss
How to Get Your Rivers in the Right Place: http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=3822

and
The Most Common Reality Errors:
http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ad.php?t=30156

Have fun and I'll look forward to seeing your first map post!

[Tom]

Hello and welcome!

[Larry]

broken lands.jpg
The Hidden Keys to the Lost Gardens.jpgThe Divides.jpgTown1.jpg

These are all WIP. Just experimenting and trying to get a feel for using the tablet. I am still learning to draw trees and mountains (you all make it look easy). Im sure there is a lot for me to change, please let me know what I should do to make them better. I appreciate your time.

Thanks!

Thanks again to those who have welcomed me and who shared the links!