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A review by sjlee
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans by Jared Blando
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.