Sired's Map project - Updated- 4/16 - files available see first post

@siredblood:

I’ll have a zoomed out shot later today.

I’m looking forward to see the effects of your nice artwork on a larger scale.

@siredblood:

The layer FX eats up the file size….

Ok, makes sense.  On mine, In order to keep file size down and number of layers, I did a lot of it in separate stand-alone projects, even much of the text.  And then when I was happy with something, I would merge the layers and import the JPEG into the map project.  If I wanted to edit, say some text, I would edit the separate text project file, merge layers, and import again.  So much of the FX stuff was done outside of the actual map project.  One thing that I found also is to try and keep text in the main map file to a minimum as it slows things down.  Raserize your text whenever practical.  Looking forward to seeing your finished product.

I like the duller or not so bright territory colors you have so far. It makes things stand out a bit but not bold. You may have to make the water slightly bluer.  Maybe a bit to many brown colors ?
Still awesome work !

I like it. Its so much different at least for me. Did you try white or black borders for sea zones I assume. Good luck and cant wait to see more pics.

This looks fantastic! I love that it’s so far from OOB. That’s probably not to everyone’s taste, though, but I sure like it!

Looking at it, I think I’d prefer the territories without colours, just to really distinguish this from the OOB map, and to cement the old-timey war map feel.

Hat’s off to you, sired. Great work! True artistry.

@siredblood:

Also, im not sure im happy with the direction of the art….

Another error found in the OOB… Honolulu is on the wrong island, they have it on Maui, not Oahu

I like it!  I prefer some contrast between territories/nations, but that’s just my preference.  So your map works for me, especially the bluer oceans/seas.  I think you captured the old paper map style well, if that is what you were after?  Maybe give it some rough/torn edges?  Nice work!

The texture on the seazones are amazing!

I agree that it would be nicer to have something else then just a “fill color” on the countries would be best. Considered to try out different stains of brown combined with a distinct texture to distinguish them?

for borders, you could try a gaussian blur country specific colour line and then put a “basic” line, thinner, on the next layer/overtop.

A slightly coloured blur would not infringe too much on the territory shape but add a slight distinction to each area.

If you already have the territories separated, edge them with the countries colour and then add the border line overtop.

The highest contrast to the brown territories is a purple-blue colour which might work best for the water Not as dark as revised but a hint of purple-blue would make the territories “pop” more.

@siredblood:

This is it, im super happy with this. I decided against border color or anything to do with color specifics, aside from neutrals, which will vary in shades of brown. I thought about it, and aside from the initial setup, borders change round 1, so really not important.

I’m glad you came up with a solution that you like and that fits your style of map the best. You’re absolutely right about the nation colors having no real game purpose. Although I have to say I like it to easily spot how many Russian home territories the Axis have eaten away. But that’s just me.

Looking forward to see the total map. The mini map on the right side already gives an impression of the overall look and feel, but nothing beats the real deal :-)

And what do you think of the ww1 game?

I love it! I’m a huge fan of the style. Really looking forward to seeing the full map!

Just a thought, how about adding a slight blue to the sea zones?
I did a C-100, K-80 at 30% opacity over the existing image.
It is subtle and adds a bit of distinguishing between the land and sea on the map.
The land colours are great and give a real era feel to the game.
See attached below.

blue sea zones.pdf