So I have just landed a book deal and needed to make a map....

[Eilathen]

Much better with these trees! Some trees look like they're washed out (color-wise) or something, but i guess that's because of the font overlaping it (same situation on some of the mountains). Not sure if this can be fixed?!

And i will take a look at your blog as soon as i find some time.

[Flegel]

I love your map!

If I'm allowed to give some suggestions (I am not a very experienced Cartographer):

Looks like you have different Layers for River/Road and multiply them each with Parchment-layer to make it look like drawn on parchment. Maybe save the map and try to combine River- and Road- Layer (Place Road on top). After reducing to one layer, you'll get rid of the river shining to your Roads when multiplied.

Some of your roads are drawn on mountain, or over sea.

Would be great to see bridges crossing the river (place them on Top in the same Layer as Road/River).

[T.B. McKenzie]

Ahhh... these are both excellent ideas. I had thought about the bridge thing, but was worried I'd have to make em too big so that they'd be seen, and then it could all get a little messy. But I will give it a go.

From your ability to see exactly how i'd made this too the comments on how to fix it, I'd say you're a little more than an inexperienced Cartographer.

Thank you.

T.B.

[Schley]

Nice map! My only suggestion would be to think about how you could bring the various elements together stylistically. For instance, you have some smooth Photoshop glows and surface effects going on the clash a bit with the hand inked style of the mountains. Not too big of an issue for readability, but it does seem a little visually confusing. Just keep in mind how your creating the image. If you have too many tricks going on in too many styles, it can hurt the image overall. I would be careful using elements cut from the web as well. You want to give the piece your own flavor. That's where the magic is!

Keep up the good work!

Mike

[T.B. McKenzie]

So I finally got around to doing a little update based on all the suggestions I have received so far. Still a while away from publication day, so will be able to make more fine tunes.

Not sure if I haven't jumped the shark with this map. I made my own compas rose after someone pointed out that ripping one from the web, even from a free clipart gallery, can be awkward and spoil the magic a little. Also, have made 2 landscape overlays of desert and farmland. This only adds to one of the comments that I already have too conflicting styles at play here; realism and sketch. I tried a more stylistic render of the farmland, but it looked stupid, as did wavy lines for the desert.... any suggestions?

Thanks again for all the comments. The more specific the better!

TB