Welcome!
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.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.
First of all... You guys are too nice. Part of what I liked when I found this place is that everyone takes/gives criticism constructively. That's important, because that's how people learn, usually. And yet, no one has really said anything was wrong with my scribbles. (okay a couple people, tiny details, nothing big). Meanwhile I'm picking your maps apart with a nit comb, trying to find ANYTHING to critique/suggest to help out. ...
Well, not really.. I don't seem to be able to map much of anything yet. (But there's one in my avatar, for those of you who clicked for the ponies - not mine, but it's MLP, and it's a map, so...) WELL I got a tablet today. It's not as bad as I thought. I can draw with it, probably better than I can with the mouse, but I couldn't make a straight line if you paid me (especially as I haven't found the pen's equivalent of a "shift & click") I have so many ...
I'd never thought much about land shapes until I came here. Recently it's been invading my head. Let me explain... I'm sitting at the dining room table, playing "Play-Doh Ice Cream shop" with my 4 year old. (For any who don't know, Play Doh is a soft, moldable, brightly colored clay-like substance for children) I grab the little toy rolling pin and smash out a small amount of playdoh. Normally, the only thought in my head (if any) about the ...