Genabackis Map

**joshuabbutler** · 10-24-2019, 12:14 AM

My overarching goal with my maps is to enhance the original Malazan Book of the Fallen maps with more geography and color. I was heavily influenced by Jonathan Roberts’ Game of Thrones maps, and I plan on creating a set like that for the Malazan world in the best style I can. This is the second map created for the Malazan world. The first I created was for the Seven Cities subcontinent, but this map is a massive improvement.

I spent several months drawing this map on my daily subway commute. While I was developing the style, I frequently would redraw elements of the map, being inspired by many artists here on the Guild and elsewhere. It took a while to find out what styles I wanted for trees, mountains, etc. This is why drawing on the subway was essential. No distractions from family, day job, or freelance work. Because my iPad has low processing power, I had to draw this map in pieces, and then combine it all on my home computer. One file for water, one for regional colors, etc.

But, it all eventually came together and I’m happy to post it. Hopefully this is a style I can continue with and improve upon.

Tools:
Affinity Photo iPad - Drawing, Shading and Coloring
Affinity Photo Mac - Overall Design and Textures
Affinity Designer Mac - Icons
Fonts - IM Fell Double PIca, IM Fell English

Thanks!

A post on my blog

malazan-genabackis-final.jpg

**Eilathen** · 10-24-2019, 02:01 PM

Congrats on finishing this, Joshua! You already know that I really like this map. I love the colors and the overall feel of your work. And that the maps depicted are of one of my favorite fantasy works of all time is "the cherry on top", so to speak

I really hope we will see more maps from the Malazan World from you. I'd love to see them all

Have some well deserved Rep.!

**DrWho42** · 10-24-2019, 08:02 PM

wow this is exquite and intricate! beautiful work

**joshuabbutler** · 10-24-2019, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by Eilathen

Congrats on finishing this, Joshua! You already know that I really like this map. I love the colors and the overall feel of your work. And that the maps depicted are of one of my favorite fantasy works of all time is "the cherry on top", so to speak

I really hope we will see more maps from the Malazan World from you. I'd love to see them all

Have some well deserved Rep.!

Thanks for the support along the way, Eliathen!

I actually my rework the Seven Cities map to be in the style.

**joshuabbutler** · 10-24-2019, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by DrWho42

wow this is exquite and intricate! beautiful work

thank you!

**Kellerica** · 10-25-2019, 03:32 PM

Like Eilathen, I've already expressed fondness for this, but it does bear repeating: it came out great! The colors work well here, and I enjoy the icons used for settlements and other landmarks. Fine job through and through, have some rep from me as well!

**Eilathen** · 10-26-2019, 10:49 AM

I'd welcome a rework of the 7 Cities map! Not that the first iteration was bad, but I think your style has matured since then. And the 7 Cities region is probably my favorite region of the Malazan world