A new book charts the gorgeous evolution of maps.
Conventional depictions of landscape elements for map sketching. Topographic maps and sketch mapping. 1920. Internet Archive
Photoshop brushes are serious time-savers. The correct brush can instantly enhance a plain-looking photo. The right brush can highlight a specific area in an image without putting too many touch-ups. The great thing about Photoshop brushes is that they are…
Normal people don’t have favorite cartographers, but I think many geographers do. I’ve simply fallen in love with the maps of Erwin Raisz. How? It’s not a name you hear too oft…
If you enjoy finding inspiration for your stories from real-world locations, then look no further than the stone pillars of Wulingyuan, China. But the real question is, how do you draw something like that on your fantasy map? In this tutorial, I’ll break down the process so you can add these iconic
How many of us have hiked for miles just to see a waterfall? Even if you haven’t, it’s not difficult to recognize the beauty and power that so many find compelling. In this tutorial, you will learn some simple steps to walk you through how to draw a waterfall on your map for your next rpg or book.
Tutorial by: Trak Learn how to create this intricate topology map effect using Octane Cinema 4D, and After Effects. This […]
I’ve realised I have a particular workflow for drawing coastlines in my maps. Here’s a quick walkthrough. Each step is done on a new layer in photoshop, and I use a 5px hard round brush in each case with size set to pressure. However, all of these steps can be done in Gimp – or … Continue reading "How to Draw Coastlines on a Fantasy Map"
I love maps and I don’t mean the boring Google map or those you seen in geography textbook. Artistic, unusual, colourful maps are what I am going to showcase in this post.
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In an intriguing blend of cartography and illustration, UK artist Ed Fairburn uses maps as his canvases for stunning ink and pencil portraits. Faces are
When considering the historical path of a river, it’s easy to imagine a torrential flood that causes a stream to overflow its banks, or a drought that brings a body of water to a trickle. The reality of a river’s history is vastly more complex, as the artery of water gradually changes directions over thousands of years, shifting its boundaries imperceptibly inch by inch. Geologists and cartographers have grappled with helpful ways to visually depict a river’s flow over time. More
If you want the coastlines to look like they’re popping off the page, then adding some cliffs is a great way to do it. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to do and it will instantly make your map look much more professional. In this Map Tip, you will learn some simple techniques to help your maps stand o
Canyons are a striking feature of any landscape and can really be a focal point in the story you're telling. In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw canyons that bring a sense of depth to the landscape and make your fantasy map really stand out.
We obviously think all our maps are works of art. The artistry involved can take years and it’s no wonder people hang them on their walls. Yes, they are practical and useful, but they are also beau…
Rivers are likely an essential feature for the fantasy world you’re creating. Understanding where to place them on a map is challenging if you don't want it to appear arbitrary. But if you grasp how water moves through a landscape, it will go a long way toward creating a sense of realism for your ma
In this tutorial I want to show you how to give your oceans & seas a little more character. Not only will you get a nice painterly texture, but this method is also a great way to hint at the topography just below the water’s surface.
Mike Walter has spent a lot of time studying topographic maps that show the undulations of landmarks in the area, such as the rocky crags of Wyoming's 11,699-foot Pilot Peak,
Drawing a plateau on your fantasy map is a simple way to make the landscape of your world stand out from the flat terrain you see on most maps. In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw impressive cliffs that rise out of the landscape. Which can become key storytelling features in the world you'r
Spook has been creating fantasy maps for the past three years and is absolutely killing it! We interview him and share his gallery of intricate fantasy map art with you all.
