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How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans by Jared Blando
samrushingbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good step by step guide for creating a nice and detailed map, whether for a fantasy book series or an rpg. It was also a quick read because it is around 80% images.
adularia25's review against another edition
3.0
I would have loved to have this book back when I was in art school, for some of the pen, ink, and techniques. This is very much for beginners, though, so it doesn't go into anything in-depth. I do like how it suggests experimenting to find what works best for you.
As for the maps themselves, while lovely, they are of the standard western European medieval fantasy type. The elves live in forests, barbarian raiders from the north (always the north) are based on vikings, the ancient civilizations are based on Greek and Roman designs, and green-skinned orcs are out for your blood. I understand that is bog-standard fantasy material, but it would have been nice if it gave visual alternatives to tired tropes.
Because it is based on western Europe, there aren't sections for how to make interesting deserts, or steppes, or canyons, it basically sticks to mountains, hills, forests, marshes, farmland and seas. There is a nice (though basic) section on heraldry and making shields, banners, and icons for your various cities, holdfasts, and castles. And it covers some interesting border techniques from the 16th century.
As for the maps themselves, while lovely, they are of the standard western European medieval fantasy type. The elves live in forests, barbarian raiders from the north (always the north) are based on vikings, the ancient civilizations are based on Greek and Roman designs, and green-skinned orcs are out for your blood. I understand that is bog-standard fantasy material, but it would have been nice if it gave visual alternatives to tired tropes.
Because it is based on western Europe, there aren't sections for how to make interesting deserts, or steppes, or canyons, it basically sticks to mountains, hills, forests, marshes, farmland and seas. There is a nice (though basic) section on heraldry and making shields, banners, and icons for your various cities, holdfasts, and castles. And it covers some interesting border techniques from the 16th century.
briannadasilva's review against another edition
I learned a lot from this! ^_^ Now I'm excited to work on my own (official and detailed) fantasy maps very soon! :O
jennyrbaker's review against another edition
4.0
I love reading fantasy fiction and every time I read one that has a detailed map at the beginning, I'm in awe of the details and creativity. I always wondered how these maps are created. I had read somewhere that Tolkien started developing the concept for Lord of the Rings by creating his own map. I'm an aspiring fantasy fiction writer, so a book about How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps appeals to me.
This is a great introduction to drawing fantasy art maps. I love the step-by-step instructions and the general organization of the book. It starts with the basic structure of your land, followed by mountains, forests, and rivers, followed by cities and landmarks. I think one of the hardest parts of fantasy map-making is coming up with the weird names, but he does suggest resources on this. The other challenge is the typography if you're not the greatest at calligraphy, but he covers this as well.
I'm glad this is available on Kindle Unlimited, because I think the book is overpriced considering its length of 128 pages. The eBook is $11.99 and the print book is $15.63.
This is a great introduction to drawing fantasy art maps. I love the step-by-step instructions and the general organization of the book. It starts with the basic structure of your land, followed by mountains, forests, and rivers, followed by cities and landmarks. I think one of the hardest parts of fantasy map-making is coming up with the weird names, but he does suggest resources on this. The other challenge is the typography if you're not the greatest at calligraphy, but he covers this as well.
I'm glad this is available on Kindle Unlimited, because I think the book is overpriced considering its length of 128 pages. The eBook is $11.99 and the print book is $15.63.
sjlee's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
Compared to previous art books I have read (and reviewed here) this book is far superior. The instructions are simple to follow and the steps are laid out clearly with helpful visuals accompanying them.
Jared Blando does a good job laying out the basics of geography as well as the aesthetics of cartography. A lot of what you read in this book can be easily gleaned elsewhere, but its a nice tool to pull together ideas and look at them all together. Another valuable example of what Blando has done here is create samples and demonstrations of what the finished product can look like.
One criticism I will make about the book is that the maps appear to be in a common style. Blando doesn't really flesh out alternatives, more like variations on a core style. It's more complicated than this, but basically the style looks quite reminiscent of the maps in the Lord of the Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire with greater visual flourish.
I think the book may be a useful guide, especially for those who want a solid starting point for their maps and help in how to draw certain features. It would be ideal for perhaps younger artists that need a tool to get started. However, I think anyone who has watched tutorial videos and done a lot of practice will not get very much new here except a convenient resources and source of inspiration.
Compared to previous art books I have read (and reviewed here) this book is far superior. The instructions are simple to follow and the steps are laid out clearly with helpful visuals accompanying them.
Jared Blando does a good job laying out the basics of geography as well as the aesthetics of cartography. A lot of what you read in this book can be easily gleaned elsewhere, but its a nice tool to pull together ideas and look at them all together. Another valuable example of what Blando has done here is create samples and demonstrations of what the finished product can look like.
One criticism I will make about the book is that the maps appear to be in a common style. Blando doesn't really flesh out alternatives, more like variations on a core style. It's more complicated than this, but basically the style looks quite reminiscent of the maps in the Lord of the Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire with greater visual flourish.
I think the book may be a useful guide, especially for those who want a solid starting point for their maps and help in how to draw certain features. It would be ideal for perhaps younger artists that need a tool to get started. However, I think anyone who has watched tutorial videos and done a lot of practice will not get very much new here except a convenient resources and source of inspiration.
endymions_rage's review against another edition
4.0
A great instruction and introduction into map making. All you need now is the art supplies, patience and either talent or practice. It's a nice niche hobby I picked up very recently.
jar7709's review against another edition
5.0
K says only 4 stars, but he's happily making a new map now, so it's a 5 in my book. ;)
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