Challenge... sort of.

[AslanC]

Hey there cartographers,

So I have a challenge I want to put to any and all takers and I will even give a prize for the best one of the bunch (maybe even 2 prizes, yeah first and 2nd!)

But before I present the challenge let me explain why.

I am a writer and every time I start making a map, I notice that my prejudices of story, placement of societies, etc... start having an effect on the geography as I do it and everything winds up looking samey.

Run on sentence much?

So I got to thinking and here's where I got.

I have a continental lay out of a world. Let's say the size of Europe and Asia roughly, maybe a bit smaller, I dunno.

I ONLY have the shorelines done and I have no idea what goes inside it.

So the challenge/contest is this;

Take what I have and fill it up! Add lakes, mountains, hills, deserts, wastlands, swamps, rivers, etc... Let your imagination flow and your creativity be your guide!

The one that I like the most I will then populate with places, people and things, without having the land conform to my writer's mind, but vice-versa.

Of course I will make this a Creative Commons map so anyone and everyone can use it as they see fit.

Interested?

Well how about the prizes first right?

On a ship right now, from China, are coming 500 copies of the first issue of my comics HEROIC. There will never be another print run of this cover/edition, so it is limited edition.

I will give a copy (shipping included anywhere in the world) to the winner of this contest.

2nd place will get a free digital copy and I dunno, I'll come up with SOMETHING for 3rd place if there needs to be.

Sound good?

You can learn more about Heroic here, Zenith Comics here or here.

If you are interested I look forward to what you do. Any style, and technique, etc... Be creative

If you want a HIGH RES PSD of the land mass, just go right here!

Oh and I guess I have to have a deadline, so let's say? October 1st? 2014?

If that is too short a time let me know and I will adjust it.

I hope I haven't offended anyone or broken any rules with this challenge/contest idea, if I have I apologize.

Ladies & Gentlemen! Start your ... um.... brushes?

I got nothing there lol!

[gspRooster]

I'll take a shot at this... I've been tinkering with a different map style than I usually do anyway. Just out of curiousity, what program did you use to develop the black and white basic map outline?

[AslanC]

I'll take a shot at this... I've been tinkering with a different map style than I usually do anyway. Just out of curiousity, what program did you use to develop the black and white basic map outline?

Hey there thanks for taking up the challenge, hopefully you are the first of many

As to how I made it, good old fashioned Photoshop my friend.

Cheers!

[AslanC]

No one else up for the challenge? Can't be much of a contest if there is only one participant, right?

[gspRooster]

I would like to keep you up-to-date on the development of this, as well as ask a few questions here and there that I feel to be relevant to how I want to develop this map. What would be easier for you - communication here, or e-mail? If e-mail is easier, send me your e-mail addy in a PM and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Otherwise I'll just check in here periodically.

[Diamond]

I'll take a hack at it. Two months ought to be enough time... I hope...

[AslanC]

I would like to keep you up-to-date on the development of this, as well as ask a few questions here and there that I feel to be relevant to how I want to develop this map. What would be easier for you - communication here, or e-mail? If e-mail is easier, send me your e-mail addy in a PM and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Otherwise I'll just check in here periodically.

Communication here is good, maybe start a WIP thread and link it here? Also feel free to pm me questions here, if you like. Let's keep this nice and open, no?

I'll take a hack at it. Two months ought to be enough time... I hope...

Outstanding, I look forward to what you come up with

Cheers!

[AslanC]

Anyone else want to throw their hat in the ring?

If we have 3 at least it'll feel like a contest

Cheers!

[xpian]

I'm interested. I'll jump in.

[AslanC]

I'm interested. I'll jump in.

Awesome possum! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

Also everyone, you can enter right up until the deadline, so if you see these 3 making WIP threads and think "If only I had jumped in back when." it is never too late!

Thanks you guys for taking up my challenge