Monday, August 17, 2015

Crystallon: a map commission

This post is Part 1 of a series to augment the Fictional Cartography by D.N.Frost available for free download.

This and other map commissions are gathered in my Portfolio Directory for you to explore.

This post is also Part 1 of a series about Monica Spath.



I first met Monica Spath as one of the entrants in my world map giveaway from April 2015. She didn't win the free map, but her world sounded very cool. The information she'd entered into the giveaway intrigued me, and I felt like Crystallon was a world that deserved to come to life, so I contacted her about a discounted commission.

Though she didn't win the giveaway, Monica was still excited to map her world. She asked me some questions about the basic process, and she sent in a sketch she'd scanned from her art spiral. I was floored! Her artistic sketch was far better than anything I could have drawn myself.


Check out this Fictional Cartography by D.N.Frost for more maps!


Monica had drawn her mountains in amazing shaded ridges rather than little mountain symbols, and I felt inspired.

Though the map hadn't started yet, I wanted to spend some of my own time to see if I could mirror her cool mountain ridges with a technique of my own.

I drafted a map estimate for the realm of Crystallon, and Monica signed the page allowing me to start her map.

All the while, in the back of my mind, I was percolating the best way to capture her awesome shaded mountains with a reliable Photoshop technique.


Here's what she had to say about the finished map:


Crystallon, a map commission by D.N.Frost for Monica Spath www.DNFrost.com/portfolio Part 1 of a series.
I give five stars to the work D.N. put into this map.

D.N.Frost is a talented mapmaker who helped me bring the planet of Crystallon to life.

The map she created for me will help with the creation of different stories that take place on Crystallon.

The map is beautifully created and will be an important tool in the journey each person will take as they explore this beautiful and exciting world.

With seeing each element, I will be able to know where the scenes takes place and know how to get to either the nearest mountain or the sea.

It will also help with knowing where the roads are located and how to reach the next town.

Talented mapmaker. Thank you.

– Monica Spath, fantasy writer


That's it for this post! Up Next: Making coasts and mountain ranges... Soon.

Want to bring your own world to life? We can map your world.
You deserve a professional map you can be proud to share.

Download Fictional Cartography by D.N.Frost here, or start your adventure below.






Liked this? Share, please!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Hello, there! Connect with me:
TwitterFacebookPinterestInstagram

Leave a comment, ask a question, share a story, make a friend.