I guess it all depends on how you handle commissions, but I always question geologic/geographic anamolies in rough draft maps provided me by the authors of the works I complete. I want to make sure that I match the intentions of the author, while explaining why a given geologic mistake is occurring. In 2 commissions the authors allowed me to do the corrected versions. In one case the author indicated that the storyline required the anamoly. I know the fanbase of a given published book may question the map itself. By correcting it in the first place, such issues will never arise. It is in the author's favor to present him with a true rendition of a geologically sound map. In the end, I don't expect most authors to have any kind of cartographic knowledge. As a professional cartographer it an expectation that I report inconsistencies with the author. Not doing so is a disservice to the author and publisher.
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He's probably talking about rivers splitting. Btw nice map Though the stains are too obvious and seems out of place here.
The main character in the book is a master assassin and it was requested that there be blood drips on the map. To create those, I actually dripped thick paint on paper and scanned, then worked in to photoshop. Same with the "bloody" thumbprint. It's a tricky balance, placing non essential elements on a map that has to be functional as well.
About stains, not fan of it but that makes more sense
Very pretty map, and congratz on the commission!
It's a shame the client only requested B&W, because I really think this would look so much better in colour! Also, in B&W, the concept of the bloody drips and fingerprint is kind of lost, and makes them look a bit out of place. But in colour, against a weatherworn, brownish parchment texture, it would have looked much, much better and more interesting, and helped to convey the feeling of a hand-drawn map clutched in the hands of an assassin.
I realize B&W is needed for the book printing, but a colour version is always nice too, for displaying on the author's website. Would be a nice little extra I think, for fans of the book to enjoy, and also to snag the interest of potential readers.
I can't really comment on the river problem (it's not something I'm knowledgeable in at all), but I do think it's something the average person probably wouldn't even notice, or take issue with. (It didn't even register with me until I started reading the comments). But, like someone else mentioned, if you're interested in learning more about it for future maps, there's a wealth of helpful info to be found here.
Oh, and I also wanted to say that I really love your sword compass! And the font as well!
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I think that the stains on the map are interesting without the explanation though they did seem out of place but with the information about the story I thought is was a cool idea. I do think that it would be better in color but that wasn't your choice and I think you did a good job with making the stains in black and white. I love the thumb print at the edge of the map I think that it is very cool. By any chance could you tell me the name of the book?