[WIP]Caelun - First Map

Well, I've gotten my continents shaped, and that's really about it aside from some basic textures, and an outline of the continents. I've been using GIMP to make the map so far.

I think I've got a decent start here, if anyone would be willing to give me some tips, I would greatly appreciate them. I've got less than zero artistic skill, and this is quite possibly the hardest thing ever.

In any case, I'm trying to make the map for a world I've built. I've got some basic sketches that work for now, but I'm really looking for something more refined. I appreciate you all checking out my map, and I anticipate some good feedback, whether positive or negative. Thanks!

Also, the attachment dialog doesn't seem to be working in Chrome. Is this a known issue?

In any case, in lieu of no attatchments, here's a link.

Here Updated it a bit. Need to find some brushes to mark places of interest.
With Labels - I don't really like the text very much, I really hate working with GMIP, it's so much less powerful than photoshop.

Edit: Crap, I think this might go in Regional/World Mapping. My bad. I wasn't really thinking that it was worth much.

First off...Welcome Aboard!

I've moved your thread to the Regional/World mapping forum, so you're all set there.

Not sure about the Chrome issue, I generally use Firefox.

I like what you have for your map so far, good color scheme and interesting shapes to the land. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

good first start.

I'm fairly new myself. The only tip I can think of at this time, is to watch the symetrical nature of the land masses. you've got three outer, three inner, then a circular island chain. I would try playing around a bit, to get the feel of the central hotspot without being too obvious.

I look forward to seeing how it develops.

Marc

Well, I can see that they are unconventionally placed, I suppose. But the story behind the land, was that a group of very powerful wizards in the distant past tried to summon a being of immense power to the world, for whatever reason. At the time, there was a large political movement gaining against the use of arcane magic, which ended up forming the Mage Slayer's Guild. Well, long story short, the Mage Slayer's Guild interrupted the summoning, shattering the large central continent, hence the crater shaped island ring in the center.

Also, I was going for more of this style, but I would love to figure out how to make something decent looking with actual topographic features. Sadly, I'm using GIMP and I can't get a tutorial to work well.

I think it's a really nice start, has a nice feel to it...something that I could never do.

You're kidding right? I love your maps. They're pretty much amazing. xD

I've been doing satellite-style for 6 years so it's been hard for me to soften up and get more artsy. Just keep on doin what yer doin and you'll be fine.

Well, I'll take your word for it. I tried to go towards more of an artsy feel, just because my attempt at a satellite was down right embarrassing. But yeah, thanks for the words of encouragement.

I think you're off to a fine start. I like the blues of the water and the way it contrasts to the color of the land. I also kind of like that font.

Updated it, did quite a bit of work over the past two days or so. Still working though.

Does anyone know how I would go about giving the northern areas more of a snowy feeling?