[WIP] Home-brew Campaign Setting Map

[SteffenBrand]

Nice one! What I mean is this, I marked the wobbly lines I mentioned on the map. Actually, I tried out the font settings I'd try, too. I don't have the one you used (I used Snell Roundhand [Black]), but my settings were 2px white outline with 30% opacity set on overlay. Then, the whole layer on 80% with overlay, too (black for the font, of cause). Maybe you like this setting more, it doesn't grips in that much and with 80% on opacity it fits in more by using a bit of the underlaying informations and adds at least a bit to the nostalgic feeling IMO. =)

Keep up the good work, I'd love to see this finished!

thisiswhatimean.jpg

[wthrasherb]

Nice one! What I mean is this, I marked the wobbly lines I mentioned on the map. Actually, I tried out the font settings I'd try, too. I don't have the one you used (I used Snell Roundhand [Black]), but my settings were 2px white outline with 30% opacity set on overlay. Then, the whole layer on 80% with overlay, too (black for the font, of cause). Maybe you like this setting more, it doesn't grips in that much and with 80% on opacity it fits in more by using a bit of the underlaying informations and adds at least a bit to the nostalgic feeling IMO. =)

Keep up the good work, I'd love to see this finished!

Ok, SteffanBrand, the wobbly effect is just a layer style with some distortion applied, and obviously everything else that has happened to the image since adding that layer style You can find the layer style file here. Download and unzip and some where in there is a style file (whatever those are called) for Photoshop. I did not create any of that stuff. It is from the Genesis of Israh tutorial. I'm sorry but I don't know the screen name of the person that came up with that tutorial. As far as that layer style on my map, I'm sure I've adjusted it some from the tutorial version, but it's pretty close. For instructions on how to use the layer style according to the tutorial go here. On that page press Ctrl-F or (Cmd-F) to bring up the Find function in your web browser (at least in Chrome) and type "water_ripples" and press enter and it should take you right to the part that talks about implementing that layer style in a similar fashion to what I have here.

As for the font outline adjustments, your most recent suggestions look good for the Water text, but it's not quite working for all of the land labels. It looks ok, and better than the white outline I had, but it's not as legible for all of the labels. I'm in the process of trying some things out. I'll post and updated image later.

I really appreciate the feedback and input, especially the visual aid, that helps

@J.Edward - Thanks for the kind words! It really boosts my enthusiasm and motivation every time someone gives me feedback, especially when it's positive! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Keep it coming folks!

[wthrasherb]

ok, how about this?

Text better?

I changed the stroke on the land text and the world name text to a BLACK stroke instead of white and that fixed it IMO.

Thoughts?

If this is good I'll start working on the actual continent names and better positioning of labels.

Mythrengard_2310_040715.jpg

[J.Edward]

This looks quite nice wthrasherb. It has a really nice feel to it.

[J.Edward]

Yes. I think that looks better. It's easier to read at a distance.
I'm happy to leave a comment when I can.

[ChickPea]

I like your latest version a lot. I love the way you've faded out the sea colour and the compass rose looks fantastic against the paler background. I'm glad you got rid of the white stroke around the text. I didn't feel that worked well at all. What you've got now looks so much better.

[SteffenBrand]

Thanks wthrasherb! =)
I like what you did with the last version!

[wthrasherb]

I like your latest version a lot. I love the way you've faded out the sea colour and the compass rose looks fantastic against the paler background. I'm glad you got rid of the white stroke around the text. I didn't feel that worked well at all. What you've got now looks so much better.

Thanks wthrasherb! =)
I like what you did with the last version!

Thanks folks! I guess that means I can start figuring out the actual names of the different continents and get the labels positioned better. Once I've taken care of the proper labeling, I might be finished with this one. I've thought about a couple of additions, but I'm not sure yet. I need to develop the setting a little more before I can add too much more in the way of detail.

How do you decide when something is truly "finished"?

[Ilanthar]

By Wthrasherb
How do you decide when something is truly "finished"?

For me, it's when I don't have and/or don't want to add anything more on the map.
Good job for an orignal map btw. The colors give a particular feel to it.

[wthrasherb]

Here is what will be the focus region of the campaign setting initially.

I am trying to keep the style consistent for now, but as I add more detail to this regional map it is going to change.

All feedback is welcome!

EMPIRE_Region_01.jpg

EDIT:
After posting, I see that it is over saturated. I will be adjusting things like that as I work... more to come!