WIP - Kalyzha

[Labryn]

Hello ALL! I have been lurking around here far too long, and after seeing the release of Shegu, by Bohunk, I was inspired to use some of the same methods and start a new map of my own.

This is the first map I have really sat down and worked at with a purpose behind it. Before this, I might would draw or doodle a little something out, but it never went beyond that. With that said this is my first all digital mapping endeavor, using FT to make my islands, followed by PS CS4 to do the rest of what you see here.

This is just the beginning and I look forward to all comments and critics alike as I continue to work on not only this piece, but hopefully many more to come down the road!

Thanks to all who choose to help me grow in this community!

-Lab

[Ascension]

Wonderful cartouche and a good looking start. The only thing I'd offer up is maybe turn down the outer glow around the land...ie reduce the opacity some more. Otherwise, nice start.

[Yoscha]

I think the mountain chains look a little bit too regular. It's a straight line of the same thickness everywhere. A litle variation here and there should look nice.

[Labryn]

Thanks everyone, so far so good! I am definitely going to work on better mountains. They are really place fillers for the time being until I figure out what I want for the final draft.

I will also be working on the outer edges to make a smoother transition from land to sea.

Keep 'em coming!

-Lab

[Labryn]

I have taken both suggestions thus far and implemented them into my design. I like how it looks, but I know until I see the final draft of it I will just continue tweaking little things here and there.

This is where it is at now, and I plan to work a lot more on it today, as long as the day goes as planned! Keeping my fingers crossed! LOL

Thanks again!

-Lab

[Ramah]

I'm not sure I like the mountains as much on this new post. I agree with Yoscha that they were too regular before, but I think they made more sense than having them randomly clustered around the map (even if I am guilty of that particular problem myself).
I think you would have been better in just placing some mountains heading out from the main chains in various places, which would help disguise that it is a long straight line, and maybe shortening some of the chains that head off the main one.
Of course, this is all subjective and really depends on how the rest of the map evolves.

[Labryn]

I think you would have been better in just placing some mountains heading out from the main chains in various places, which would help disguise that it is a long straight line, and maybe shortening some of the chains that head off the main one.
Of course, this is all subjective and really depends on how the rest of the map evolves.

Yes Ramah, I too had that idea, but went with this one instead, so now I will look at combining the two, along with a little cleanup along those chains. Thanks and I'll be back soon with another quick update on those mountains.

-Lab

[Yoscha]

Just nitpicking:
Why are those mountains transparent? It's kind of irritating where two moutain symbols overlap. It somehow looks like glass mountains or something like this .

[Labryn]

Just nitpicking:
Why are those mountains transparent? It's kind of irritating where two moutain symbols overlap. It somehow looks like glass mountains or something like this .

The transparency comes from the fact they are Photoshop brushes, which are transparent as to go with any background at any time. As time progresses and the final draft comes more near I will make sure to go through and erase each bit that stands out to me. Hard, no. Time consuming, oh boy...

-Lab

[Kristoni]

Keep in mind the differences in resolution. The compass rose looks a little blurred, while the cartouche is very sharp. Personally, I'd try to keep all objects the same in this respect. Something else you might want to repair are the white remnants on the cartouche's inner edges.

Hope this helps a bit, good luck!