| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Hawkins |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 16:21:21
So the Paizo has put out an open call for cartographers. (check the Wednesday, January 28, 2009 entry.) The deadline is February 9th which is only five days away. I don't know if that is enough time to create what they are looking for, but I do know that we have at least two cartographers here in the 'Keep (Markustay and Patrakis) who should look into this. |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alisttair |
Posted - 09 Feb 2009 : 13:41:06
Good luck with that Markustay. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 06 Feb 2009 : 20:19:47
Someone was kind enough to E-Mail me that link when the offer first came out.
However, my own 'talents' lie in re-producing the 3e map style EXACTLY - which is something I'm sure Paizo would not want.
I'm currently working on developing my own techniques, but until then, my 'copy-cat' style just doesn't cut-it outside of FR. 
For those of you who are fans of my maps, that doesn't mean I will be abandoning the 3e-style anytime soon. In fact, I'm working on a hybrid-style that improves on the 3e one (wishful thinking on my part, and a bit of a conceit, I must admit).
Basically, what I'm shooting for is something that reminds folks of the 3e FR maps, but are distinctive in their own right.
For instance, I will still probably use most of the textures I developed (lifted, really), but I will be applying a 3D mask, giving the terrain a bit more of a realistic feel (without going full-blown 'satelite image' style).
I still have no idea how this will work out, but I have high-hopes. I've been studying other's techniques over at the Cartographer's guild, and I really like the way the rivers look 'pressed into' the paper on some of them - its truly outstanding.
I also have to get the Hell away from the 3e Mountains - I loved them for so long, but they are too distinctive a feature for me to ever 'grow' as an artist. They are beautiful, but they are someone else's.
Anyway, I appreciate that people think I'd be up to this, but the truth is, I still have a LOT to learn. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 20:13:38
quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
quote:
Originally posted by Kiaransalyn
Initially that looks a dream job, but after a read it looks like you are only drawing maps to someone else's notes. In other words, the scope for creativity is limited to maps. The writer says what goes where and what the names are, and the map-maker gets to decide how many meanders the river has.
Actually, map orders can involve even less creativity than that. A map for an adventure, for example, is redone from a hand-drawn map by the designer (usually on graph paper or similar medium). A regional map might or might not already have features decided, depending on what already exists.
Cartographers for roleplaying supplements are not, in most cases, the drivers of the creative process. They tweak and massage a crappy, hand-drawn sketch into something beautiful, inviting, and evocative. They take, for example, my four-color drawing and turn it into the awesome dungeon you'll remember a decade from now, or my triangle-mountains and make them into the interestingly-winding peaks of the border between warring kingdoms.
Cartographers are the visual equivalent of developers and editors: they make the designer's raw material into something memorable.
Sounds like you have a Bro-mance going on with a Cartographer 
In all seriousness now, you made me understand how important a good one is and what their impact is. |
| Garen Thal |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 19:47:43
quote:
Originally posted by Kiaransalyn
Initially that looks a dream job, but after a read it looks like you are only drawing maps to someone else's notes. In other words, the scope for creativity is limited to maps. The writer says what goes where and what the names are, and the map-maker gets to decide how many meanders the river has.
Actually, map orders can involve even less creativity than that. A map for an adventure, for example, is redone from a hand-drawn map by the designer (usually on graph paper or similar medium). A regional map might or might not already have features decided, depending on what already exists.
Cartographers for roleplaying supplements are not, in most cases, the drivers of the creative process. They tweak and massage a crappy, hand-drawn sketch into something beautiful, inviting, and evocative. They take, for example, my four-color drawing and turn it into the awesome dungeon you'll remember a decade from now, or my triangle-mountains and make them into the interestingly-winding peaks of the border between warring kingdoms.
Cartographers are the visual equivalent of developers and editors: they make the designer's raw material into something memorable. |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 19:25:32
Initially that looks a dream job, but after a read it looks like you are only drawing maps to someone else's notes. In other words, the scope for creativity is limited to maps. The writer says what goes where and what the names are, and the map-maker gets to decide how many meanders the river has. |
| Alisttair |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 16:53:42
I nominate Markustay for the position (I haven't personally seen Patrakis' work, so nothing against him). |
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