Help needed for encounter map

[Rautatilhi]

Hi, I need some help from the fellow guild members!
I begin to try out new style for my battlemaps to be more cartoon or hand-drawn style because i will to make my maps faster and to do my own item-object library. BUT i have problems with the elevations: i need to sign them for my players, but it always seems odd to me . Have you any idea how to make better elevations?
(Of course other comments and suggestions are welcomed too!)

[arsheesh]

You might try adding shadows and contours. Create a layer for each and set the opacity to around 50% and the layer mode to overlay. Then just paint in shadows where needed and contours where needed. I think that will help make the elevation come to life.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

[Rautatilhi]

Thank you for your answer, i know that shadows can make magic, but on my maps i use shadows to show the trees branches (one of my players always climb the trees).
Like here: