Maps I've been creating

[gamerprinter]

Its been quite awhile since I last posted. I am still printing RPG maps and have new large format equipment for more capable work!

Nowadays, I spend much of my time creating maps. I practically live on Cartographers' Guild (no need to point me that way.) I've won two map challenges there and a tutorial award.

I have been creating custom maps for private gamers and publishers as well - DogHouseRulez recent QuickQuests: Eggsellent Opportunity has 3 maps which I was commissioned to create.

I create in several styles from completely hand-drawn work scanned, and colored using Xara Xtreme, or are completely digitally created using Xara Xtreme exclusively (this is a DTP app, and not a mapping app.)

Here's one of my non-winning contest entry maps (hand-drawn)...
and link to larger version: http://www.gamer-printshop.com/portfolio/lhessadrak.jpg

Here's a map for a digital style I am developing...

Though the last map isn't in there yet, you can view my map portfoilo here
http://www.gamer-printshop.com/portfolio/portfolio.html

GP

 

[Rechan]

What programs are you using?

 

[Olaf the Stout]

Nice maps. What is a DTP application?

Olaf the Stout

 

[gamerprinter]

What programs are you using?

I mentioned it above. I use Xara Xtreme 4.0, I believe there's a free older version available for Lynux, will create identical types of maps.

I have a couple tutorials for it on my site, as well as on cartographersguild.com website

Xara Xtreme is a hybrid raster/vector app (more vector though), very speedy and easy to use. I use it in my professional life as a graphic designer, so I find it easier to use than GIMP, CC3, Dundjinni - all of which I possess, but prefer not to use. Xtreme is faster, able to use Photoshop Plugins, can export to PDF and multiple graphics formats, etc.

I sometimes use GIMP or Photoshop for touch-up work on photo images before I incorporate into a map design, but much of the creation and all the compositing is done in Xara.

In the hand-drawn map, I placed the TIF scan of the drawing and my parchment texture, then placed hand-drawn objects and creating painted look in color scheme, using a "stained glass" transparency effect to create a layers effect that blended the parchment background into the colors. All this work was done in Xara only, as well.

A "DTP app" is a DeskTop Publishing application, like Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Inkscape. Its a drawing program with word processing and image manipulation features. Xara costs about $80, though I think there is a "Lite version" that can still create these maps identically as the full version, that costs much less.

GP