Hello! :)

[AutumnRain]

Hey! I'm not sure what to say other than...um...I'm glad there's a cartography guild. I've been working on maps for the first time. I'm a writer, but an artist first. I can paint almost anything (not bragging) but it turns out mapping is a lot tricky than I thought. Hope you all can help me out!

So, yeah.

Buenas Noches.

[arsheesh]

Hola AutumnRain, welcome to the Guild! I'm actually somewhat new myself. A couple of pieces of advice to help get you started. First, if you don't already have mapping software, I'd check out the "Quickstart Guide to Fantasy Mapping" post written by Ravells (you can find the link at the top of the Member Introductions forum). It's got a lot of great, condensed, advice for beginning cartography. My own preference is for GIMP, since it's free, get's great results, and well, is the only software that I'm currently familiar with. Second, check out the tutorials section and you'll find tons of great walk throughs on map-making. There is even a tutorial on mapping with pen and inks if that's what you're into. Anyway this is a great community here, and I encourage you to post your pics when you start mapping so that other guild members can share tips and advice with you. Look forward to seeing your first WIP.

Cheers,

-Arsheesh.

[AutumnRain]

Thanks! I didn't even know they had software for map-making

[adunakhor]

The Gimp isn't just for map-making I think, but it's a very good software to create maps

[Steel General]

Welcome Aboard!

[Korash]

Thanks! I didn't even know they had software for map-making

Actually, Gimp is "just" a raster graphics prog that allows you to do just about everything that photoshop will. But at a much lower cost. Some things it does better and other the nod goes to Photoshop. If you are looking for dedicated map progs you can look at Campaign Cartographer and its add-ons.

Both Gimp and CC have a couple of exprets in residence here (not sure if they will agree with that title though) so if you have any probs with either of those you could always bellow for RobA (Gimp) and NeonKnight (CC et all) for help. Mind you, there are oodles of people here that work in these and other progs that really, all you need to do is ask, and I KNOW that someone will answer.

[AutumnRain]

Thanks for sharing! So far this site is [totally] awesome I didn't know other people like maps as much as I do! Honestly, I could stare at maps all day.

I have Photoshop CS4 and I'm still trying to figure it out. :d It's different than the old version I once had. It's the mountains that intimidate me, but ya'll have A LOT of tutorials.

[NeonKnight]

Welcome to the Guild!

[Coyotemax]

CS4 takes a bit to get used to, but it's good once you get going (i had the pleasure to work with it for awhile, but had to drop back to 3 due to system issues).

The best part is that all the photoshop tutorials here should work just fine on cs4, backwards compatibility is pretty decent for that.

[AutumnRain]

At first I didn't like CS4. It is laid out differently. I couldn't find my usual tools! But I'm adjusting. I haven't had any problems following along with the tutorials.