How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans

Bring your fictional realm to life with simple step-by-step instructions on how to draw authentic fantasy maps

More than 30 step-by-step demonstrations show how to construct an entire fantasy world map from start to finish—both digitally and by hand. Set the stage for adventure by illustrating domains, castles and battle lines, mountains, forests and sea monsters! Learn to create completely unique and fully functional RPG maps time and time again on which your world can unfold.

All the skills necessary to create awe-inspiring maps are covered, including:

• Landscapes: Add depth, balance and plausibility with rocky coastlines, towering mountains, dark forests and rolling plains.
• Iconography: Mark important places—towns and cities, fortresses and bridges—with symbolic iconography for easy-to-understand maps.
• Typography: Learn how to place readable text and the basics of decorative script. Bonus instruction teaches you to create fonts for Orcs, Elves, Vikings and dragons.
• Heraldry and shield design: Depict cultural and political boundaries with shields and colors.
• Advanced cartography: Learn how to draw landmarks, country boundaries and political lines. Build roads to connect merchants and troops, troll cairns and dragon lairs. And complete your maps with creative backgrounds, elaborate compasses and thematic legends.

Jared Blando, Portland, OR, is a professional freelance cartographer and conceptual artist who works in the RPG, book and gaming industry. Though he is best known for his RPG fantasy maps, he is also prominent in the board game and publishing industry,. He has worked for Wizards of the Coast, Fantasy Flight Games, Ubisoft, Mayfair Games and Paizo. theredepic.com