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Thought you might like a picture of the master map on the board, ready for more lines…
All the extra bits of tape are to tie down the various sheets of paper in the right relation to one another. On the bottom is a blank sheet. That was taped square to the table first. On top of that is a sheet to which is taped the enlarged scan of the Surrender None map. That had to be adjusted to be in the correct orientation to the sheet that’s showing on top–the new master map–with the master map arranged square to the table. Then the new master and the sheet with the Surrender None map were taped together, and then the new master map taped square to the table.
And before *that* the sides and bottom edge of the plexiglass overlay were taped.
The master map, as you can see, has at this point no labels on it, nor any marked trails. Cities of importance are marked with a dot and circle only. Other items (trails, roads, etc.) are in pencil, but not inked. I put them in digitally (easier than making errors on the main map) and then the publisher used my labels (which weren’t in their font) as a placement guide for their font…I sent them both blank and labeled files.
I may add more to this post later in the day, but for now–I’m back at work on it.
Comment by Robert Conley — May 28, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
Too bad you don’t use computer aided drawing. The one thing I found using CorelDRAW superior for is tracing or merging maps. I scan in everything and put it on the bottom layer. Lock in and draw everything else in the layers above it. The software allows me to resize and rotate the scanned images easily so I get a near perfect fit that I clean up while drawing the new map.
But sometimes doing it by hand is just more satisfying.
P.S. For those who are generally interested in the topic. After drawing maps by computer for two decades, I found there is little difference in doing it by hand or by computer when you FIRST create the map. Doing corrections and and revisions is generally easier with computer drawn maps.
But I also found that hybrid techniques work amazingly well. You draw what you want by hand. Scan it in and complete the rest using the drawing software. For example labeling or gridlines.
Comment by Robert Conley — May 28, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Are you having any difficulty seeing through the different layers to trace over them? I found that while using a layer of plexiglass on the bottom as well as the top I was able to shine a light through the sides to get some of the benefits of a light table.
Comment by elizabeth — May 28, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
I enjoy drawing by hand. I think it gives maps (esp. for fantasy worlds) more character. But that’s just me.
The drafting vellum is thin enough that I can trace pretty easily.
Comment by Kip Colegrove — May 28, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
The picture of the drafting table brings back memories…all it needs is a little shaker can of pounce in the corner.
Comment by Adam Baker — May 28, 2010 @ 7:06 pm
Very cool! I love drafting. Ive taken several drafting & cad classes in high school and college and love doing it quite a bit. Been a long time since Ive done any drafting by hand. I agree about drawing it by hand. I think that drawing map by hand for this time of genre would seem to lend it a more tangible feel.
Comment by Diane Young — May 31, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
I just finished reading Oath of Fealty and I must say that I’m very sad that it’s over. Now I can’t wait for the next volume. I love the way you write – your characters are real to me, the details in the book make the whole world come to life. If you decide to take up writing shopping lists, I’ll read them with delight. As a life long reader (for at least 60 years) I know what good writing looks like and you do it beautifully. Thank you for the intense pleasure I get from your books. I’m very glad you have returned to Paks’ world.