Erebus (commission map)

[Chick]

This map was created for game writer Tim Russell. Tim actually commissioned three maps, this one, another with different labels, and a third that was a blowup of the NE section of this map. It was a lot of fun to do these and I was delighted myself with how well they all came together.

[Diamond]

Love the map. Hate the labels. Too much white! It just feels cramped and overly busy to me, and it's well-nigh impossible to really focus on any of the beautiful geography that you've laid out beneath it.

[Chick]

Thank you for the portion of that which was a compliment, Diamond

The labels were definitely a jigsaw and with so many underlying colors, nothing else made them readable. Personally I like the contrast, but I do agree it hides some of the terrain. Sorry you don't like them, but just in case you'd like to see only the terrain ...

[Sapiento]

Good colours, fine map.

[Ilanthar]

Good work on this Chick! I like a lot the colors and how you manage the sea (and that whirlpool). I kinda agree with Diamond about the white labels, though.

[Chick]

Good colours, fine map.

Good work on this Chick! I like a lot the colors and how you manage the sea (and that whirlpool). I kinda agree with Diamond about the white labels, though.

Thank you both very much!

So what color(s) would you use, so that all those labels are readable right down to the tiny river names? I did use blue on the water, but I can't find anything but white that works on the land.

[Sapiento]

Thank you both very much!

So what color(s) would you use, so that all those labels are readable right down to the tiny river names? I did use blue on the water, but I can't find anything but white that works on the land.

As you have very small labels the options are limited. I think that white or black labels with contrasting dark or bright strokes/outer glows are the best options. I like the version with the current white labels.

[Diamond]

What about changing the white color to an aged yellow/brown parchment-y color (not too dark) and then adding a black outer glow (again, not too dark)?

[arsheesh]

Lovely map Chick. The mountains are really nice.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

[Chick]

Lovely map Chick. The mountains are really nice.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

Thank you Arsheesh! Those are the Quabbe mountain brushes again. Everyone seems to love them. I offer to draw mountains (like in the Arboria map in my signature) and they will still choose the Quabbe brushes, so I use them a lot.