Though I've been creating maps for ages, I only recently discovered this fine forum! The quality of work here is incredible, and the willingness to share knowledge/techniques is refreshing.
My tools have meandered from pen and pencil (back in the day) to Corel Draw and Photopaint, then Photoshop, a brief foray into Campaign Cartographer, and finally, for the last 3 years or so, Xara.
I'm a professional graphics/flash/web developer by trade, and I generally map to relax. Most of my maps are for my own use, though I've won a few contests over the years, and have created fantasy maps for David Farland (Runelords), Martin Millar (Thraxas), and Lois McMaster Bujold (Sharing Knife).
I look forward to learning from the fine folks here and sharing some of my own work.
Take care,
Tovokas
