Commission: Oshetavalen

[Cirias]

Hi guys,

This was a map commissioned by fantasy author Fiona Skye. Her novel is still in the works, so this map will hopefully help her to more easily visualize her world.

commission__oshetavalen_by_cirias-d9dkeob.jpg

All work was done in GIMP. Still working to improve my "traditional"/B&W mapping skills so would be good to hear your feedback.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,
James

[ChickPea]

This is very pretty and I like it a lot. It would have been nicer to see a slightly larger version to really look at the detail!

I think you have a small issue with your rivers. It looks like a river splits at Fruitvale? Aside from that, my only other suggestion would be perhaps to add a few ripples or a boat or something in the sea area. It looks awfully blank and empty towards the top left.

But overall, I really like this. Will rep if I can.

[Cirias]

This is very pretty and I like it a lot. It would have been nicer to see a slightly larger version to really look at the detail!

I think you have a small issue with your rivers. It looks like a river splits at Fruitvale? Aside from that, my only other suggestion would be perhaps to add a few ripples or a boat or something in the sea area. It looks awfully blank and empty towards the top left.

But overall, I really like this. Will rep if I can.

Cheers

Unfortunately the rivers are the usual case of client's wants vs. realistic physics. I do try to advise and make everything fit properly where I can, but Fruitvale needed that multi-split river.

I do tend to have an issue with empty looking seas on these B&W maps. I don't hand-draw much of my stuff as I'm not the greatest drawer, but saying that I may break out the graphics tablet and have a go at some basic brushes for extra details in these maps.

Appreciate your comments and thanks for the rep!

[- Max -]

The map looks good though I'm wondering what dimensions it is : some labels looks small.

Cheers
I do tend to have an issue with empty looking seas on these B&W maps.

Empty space isn't always a bad thing on map. This said a simple frame all around the map edges (and moving the compass where's the larger room) will help to break the emptyness.

[Jayharchitect]

What Max said... I also think what kind of paper / composition with print changes the dynamic of black and white maps.

[Cirias]

Max - I need to leech your knowledge of making map borders. That border for the Mageborn map recently was gorgeous

Thanks again everyone for the great comments and rep

[Ilanthar]

Very nice map Cirias! I really like the land shape (kinda makes me think of an inclined ireland somehow).
A frame would have been a plus indeed, but that's no big deal. And the mountains are maybe a bit dark compared to the other elements.

[TimPaul]

Nice map! It's very well done