My First Map, looking for feedback.

[jbono]

I'm kind of new to this map making hobby. I'd like some constructive criticism on my first attempt.

World Map 1.jpg

[Ilanthar]

Nice work. I like the mountains in particular. I would probably draw all the sea lines with the same orientation, though.

[jbono]

Nice work. I like the mountains in particular. I would probably draw all the sea lines with the same orientation, though.

Thanks for the feedback. I will try that with my next map.

[OldEarth]

Your mountain style is lovely. Your colour choices are great, I really like your forest lines and colours you did a good job of creating a simple non-distracting forest texture, I also actually really like your wave-like sea lines.

One thing I don't get from this map is scale.... (I'm a bit of a stickler for things like that because I use maps in my day job) so I'd recommend some form of scale notation.... also while I'm being nitpicky a compass rose of some sort is always a good idea (though in the absence of one people tend to assume North is up).

Another useful thing on this scale of maps is major road routes between your settlements.

In terms of geographic features (if you want geographic realism, if not feel free to ignore):

• I would expect at least one major drainage and/or lake to exist in that longitudinal valley (the valley between the two mountain ranges) unless you have some specific reason for there not to be (basically runoff from both mountain ranges that face inward should congregate in that valley exactly like you have happening for your other drainages).
• Your mountain ranges are lovely though I feel they seem to end a bit abruptly for realism (if you want it) as generally a mountain range will continue along plate boundaries until they reach another plate boundary and I have trouble constructing an idea of plate configuration from this map (though they can be worn down more in some regions than others as well) - (Also I'm more likely to notice/care about this than most people so don't worry if that's not something that interests you)

But really stlye-wise and art-wise it's lovely I look forward to seeing more maps!

[MistyBeee]

A lovely one and very great for a first try !
I would work a little on the hills, trying to vary the size and shape for something more natural that would fit better with your mountains. Maybe shorter trunks, and a little more random, for the forests would be nice too

[jbono]

Your mountain style is lovely. Your colour choices are great, I really like your forest lines and colours you did a good job of creating a simple non-distracting forest texture, I also actually really like your wave-like sea lines.

One thing I don't get from this map is scale.... (I'm a bit of a stickler for things like that because I use maps in my day job) so I'd recommend some form of scale notation.... also while I'm being nitpicky a compass rose of some sort is always a good idea (though in the absence of one people tend to assume North is up).

Another useful thing on this scale of maps is major road routes between your settlements.

In terms of geographic features (if you want geographic realism, if not feel free to ignore):

• I would expect at least one major drainage and/or lake to exist in that longitudinal valley (the valley between the two mountain ranges) unless you have some specific reason for there not to be (basically runoff from both mountain ranges that face inward should congregate in that valley exactly like you have happening for your other drainages).
• Your mountain ranges are lovely though I feel they seem to end a bit abruptly for realism (if you want it) as generally a mountain range will continue along plate boundaries until they reach another plate boundary and I have trouble constructing an idea of plate configuration from this map (though they can be worn down more in some regions than others as well) - (Also I'm more likely to notice/care about this than most people so don't worry if that's not something that interests you)

But really stlye-wise and art-wise it's lovely I look forward to seeing more maps!

I agree with your assessment of the geological reasons for the mountains. Truth is I did the coastline and then started playing with drawing mountains in the style of WASD20 from YouTube. The valley should have a river, and if the mountains were formed from the convergence of two continents, they probably wouldn't have folded like that.

I am giving that more thought on my next map.

I will also include a compass rose and some sort of scale.

[jbono]

A lovely one and very great for a first try !
I would work a little on the hills, trying to vary the size and shape for something more natural that would fit better with your mountains. Maybe shorter trunks, and a little more random, for the forests would be nice too

Thanks, I will work on that in the future.