February 2016 Challenge: Middle-Earth

[Carnifex]

I just couldn't resist...
### LATEST WIP ###
Middle-earth_05.jpg

And zoomed iin (full res):
Middle-earth_06.jpg

[Greg]

Well somebody was going to do it!

It's always great to see more realistic interpretations of fantasy maps, especially when Tolkien's own are so famous! Look forward to seeing this move forward Carnifex!



On small thing I don't like at the moment though are the settlement symbols you have. Maybe it's just because I just think of fantasy ones when I see Bree or Hobbiton, but their modern look doesn't seem to suit the map to me. Having said that, they do look much better when I zoom in and you can see the texture on them. So there's me being indecisive once again!

[ChickPea]

Hehe, frankly I'd have been disappointed if someone didn't attempt LotR in one form or another!

Agree with GLS above that it's refreshing to see a completely different style applied to such a famous map. Liking what you've done so far.

[Carnifex]

An update. Placing all the labels..... feels like a miljon of them. Some minor fixes. Started with the roads to try them out.
Adjusted the size of the town symbols. etc etc

Middle-earth_04d.jpg

[Carnifex]

Not alot more to do on this one.

To do:
Labels
border
MOve a road somewhat
shadowing effects
lighting effects
compass etc

Most labels in place... I am thinking I will write elven names on some and English names on some - to keep the map less cluttered.
Have worked on most stuff - mountains, forests, rivers, labels. Labeling is painstakingly boring and time consuming...

The map is at 50% below. Actually missing some nice details. I will see if I can get it down enough to post here.

### LATEST WIP ###
Middle-earth_07h.jpg



Mordor in full resolution:
### LATEST WIP ###
New-stuff_03.jpg

[Ilanthar]

Good work so far Carnifex! I would probably try to make the Dead Marshes more grim, with a darker and/or greener color.

[Carnifex]

Good work so far Carnifex! I would probably try to make the Dead Marshes more grim, with a darker and/or greener color.

Thanks! Yeah. They look kinda boring now. Will fix! I really wants some more comments! What about bridges and roads? And mountains? I have been working on them countless hours so some feedbad would be helpful. And the style??

[DanielHasenbos]

This map is looking great Carnifex! The roads and bridges seem fine to me and the mountains look great. Only the hills in Eriador seem al little odd compared to the rest of the map.
I assume you are mapping Middle Earth during the end of the Third Age right? If so, I would personally move the 'Gondor' label further to the west. That way it does a better job suggesting the lands that the Kingdom encompasses. Also in the Forlindon region the labels says 'Forlind' where I believe it should say 'Forlindon'.

That's all I have to say about this map (;

-Dan

[Carnifex]

This map is looking great Carnifex! The roads and bridges seem fine to me and the mountains look great. Only the hills in Eriador seem al little odd compared to the rest of the map.
I assume you are mapping Middle Earth during the end of the Third Age right? If so, I would personally move the 'Gondor' label further to the west. That way it does a better job suggesting the lands that the Kingdom encompasses. Also in the Forlindon region the labels says 'Forlind' where I believe it should say 'Forlindon'.

That's all I have to say about this map (;

-Dan

Thank you so much for comments! really apprieciated!

[Carnifex]

Made the suggested changes. Close to finished I guess. Added a border and added some shading and lighting/coloring.
Comments still warmly welcome and there is always room for improvement


I will try to upload the image again tomrrow. Something went wrong...