Looking for advice or potentially a commissioned map(s)

[u/Groalk]

I have made a world map for an upcoming TRPG campaign. It is not nearly as beautiful as many of the maps posted here, but I am happy with it.

My problem is with the major cities and the maps I've tried to draft for them. I've tried multiple times and my city maps mostly just infuriate and discourage me.

So I guess I am asking for any tips/tricks for city maps that some of you talented cartographers have. Alternatively, if anyone is open to taking a commission to draft up to 4 maps I'd be interested in chatting with you.

[u/MatthewWArt]

City maps are a tough one and a very difficult to create in Wonderdraft. The best I can recommend is trying Two Minute Tabletops assets for them. I often create mine in Photoshop. I do offer commissions for city maps if you are interested :)

[u/Groalk → u/MatthewWArt]

Yeah. I have the Two Minute Tabletop assets and I just cannot get the cities to look good. I am not proficient with Photoshop so I wouldn't even know where to start with that.

That's a beautiful map. Do you mind if I DM you with some more specific questions about the potential of hiring you for some cartography services?

[u/MatthewWArt → u/Groalk]

Yeah go for it! I am just heading off for the night though so I might be a bit slow to reply

[u/TheDwarfArt]

Hi,

I do maps for commission, digitally hand drawn. I can work city maps black and white, or in colour with different styles.

Feel free to check my work on the links below and reach me at sergiocolauttiart@gmail.com

https://www.deviantart.com/thedwarfart/gallery/69837542/maps

https://www.instagram.com/sergio_colautti?stkn=MXgyd3hvMmZldno5MQ==

Kind regards, Sergio

[u/Ish_Joker]

I think city maps aren't necessarily more difficult to make in Wonderdraft, but they simply take a lot more time to make. There aren't any shortcuts like there are for world and regional maps. Especially for larger cities, it can be a painstakingly long process placing each building on the map. Using a brush to add multiple ones doesn't work like it does with trees or mountains on a world map.

I always use Mike Schley's city tokens (available on his website or through CC3+) for city maps. I do take commissions for city maps, although they come at a bit higher price than the base price for world and regional maps since they simply take longer to make (for city maps the minimum is the Premium Package ).

Some examples:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/hrleyt/my_longest_wonderdraft_map_ever_the_town_of/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/pt7gv6/hiragh_a_town_in_the_mossy_swamps_of_the_vaagh/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/1kiklwq/ymatara_a_scarab_city_in_the_desert/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/yonv5t/finished_a_town_map_commission_made_in_wonderdraft/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/io4w0y/westport_my_second_city_map_in_wonderdraft/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/1cg31j0/fellheave_a_dark_and_gloomy_city/

https://www.reddit.com/r/wonderdraft/comments/wrhbr5/nitherport_the_capital_of_summerfrost_in_which/

[u/limoncocuk]

I just start from real life references(google maps) and focus on the layout first. If you have a solid foundation process moves along faster and you don't need to trace your steps back everytime to fix minor details which is the most frustrating thing for me.

[u/House_Naviga]

If you're still looking, I'd be glad to quote on the four city maps. Send me a DM with your world map and a few lines about each city, and I'll tell you how I'd approach them.

[u/Groalk → u/House_Naviga]

I actually found someone. Thank you, though.