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The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.
Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.
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Lair of Lhessadrak - 2008 Contest Entry on Dndadventure.com
This is gorgeous. Do you use software? How do you make it look so "analogue"?
I use Xara Xtreme Pro 4 to pre-design elements I intend to hand-draw with tracing paper. Then I do all my hand-drawing, scan that at 200 ppi TIF, import to Xara and apply colors, any shadowing and bevels in that application. I do this for most of my maps.
How many hours does this piece require and what would you commission it as? The end result of that process is very polished, nice work.
I've got 3 hours drawing and 1 hour finishing (adding color, beveled shapes, drop shadows, labeling), so 4 hours total. I charge $20/hour, thus $80 for a commission of this map. Just for your knowledge, I am doing maps for Rite Publishing's Kaidan setting handbooks, I have an upcoming commission of 3 maps for Troll Hammer Games, and I am planning to run a Kickstarter to fund an illustrated guide to my own county's 4 state parks for a release in December. So my schedule is very full. I would have to see when I had the time to dedicate to such a project for you. 4 hours doesn't seem much, but it takes a lot of dedication for me to allot the time to do such. I am open to such a commission, but it's finding the best time for you and me. Michael Tumey
