Planning the Project

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Before I ever put a pencil to paper, I make a general plan of the project I’m going to make.  Now this is a matter of personal preference and definitely not something all cartographers do.  I personally do it so I can remain focused on my main objective (be it to tell a story, to make an artistic piece, to have a mini adventure, or even just a fun treasure map) and so I don’t get stuck midway through because I ran out of materials, ideas, or because I drew myself into a corner. 

 1. I start off deciding on what kind of map I want to make:

• World Map (Kor’Treum) – Covers the entire world but need not include large bodies of water between continents.
• Regional Map (Amyrest) – For a country, kingdom, state, province, etc.  Made to give the reader/player a sense of distance within a region.
• Area map (Osmet Coast) – may cover several towns or just part of one, usually used to give a reader/player a sense of direction during storytelling or clues on how to find something or follow the story. Similar to regional maps only it’s purpose is specific to the story and is usually something players were have on their character for traveling (indicates roads and adjacent regions)
• Scout’s map – this is a map used to give directions from one place to another with indications of what to expect along the way. It’s often written out plainly with no secret/hidden messages.
• Treasure map – this is a map used to give clues on how to find something

2. The map itself determines if I need any specific supplies.  Treasure maps can be made on leather or thick paper.  If I want it to fold, or be in a specific shape, I’ll need to cut the paper.  This adds scissors or a swivel knife and cutting mat to my list of materials.  Aging means I need to add coffee or tea staining to the paper.  If I plan on tracing a shape into the map I’ll need tracing paper or stencils.

3. I then decide on the finish I want the map to have

• If it’s something I’m going to scan to bring into digital format, then no further materials are needed.
•  If I plan on using the map on game night or if the map will be handled often, I will usually use a paper sealer like Mod Podge Hard Coat Formula – http://amzn.to/2k4HZmd 
• If I want to add color, I need to decide how I want to accomplish that:
• Copic markers – Earth tones pack: http://amzn.to/2j5X2wx
• Watercolor paints – http://amzn.to/2jTjKop
• Watercolor pencils – http://amzn.to/2jra4ms
• Digital coloring – http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html

This sounds like a trivial step but most professional cartographers keep their tools handy during map creation.  Most beginners don’t realize they even need something until they are about to do that step in the process and then have to stop in order to obtain needed materials.  The planning part is just a quick step to save you from stopping when the creative ideas are flowing.