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Aug 2021

Ohh, you're also in the process of designing your map? Must be nice, I'm still trying to think of how to shape the land Hahahahaha.

yes! they're usually pretty rough since i only sorta know what i'm doing but it's usually a combo of overall world maps (if needed) and then regional/area maps to keep track of specific areas in a given location. personally i like it because it helps with consistency plus makes knowing where to put things in a drawing easier.

i'd love to do rough builds in like minecraft or blender if i could but i worry about spending to much time on prep work like that than actual production

In fantasy worlds, I think it's always comfortable to make a map, even if you just make a simple one for you. I made this one, for example:



I tell you for sure this is really helpful, so the world makes sense. I also wrote the name of the places in demonic (the comic's fantasy language) and in my language (catalan), so I remember how everything is called in both idioms

You could try the stuff they're recommending above. I'd love to try rough builds as well but I still can't decide what kinda shape I even want Hahahahahaha

That looks good! I think if I'm going to make a map I'd start with something simple like that then go on to more complex ones as time progresses.

Sims is such a great idea!!!!
I play The Sims 4 (+plus have all the current DLCs) and I think this will help me a lot!!
Thank you~ ^^

I hear that. Seems it'll take me quite some time before I can decide on it. I still have to finish another chapter after all Hahahahaha

Create a place out of imagination-- is pure joy to me. Especially when myself(or readers) can feel the ground and the surroundings, even better when one can regconize that corner is which area, or that corner... It's like open world games where you know your home base.

My story place happens in a remote fantasy setting-- From the highland to the lower altitude hills. The biggest i've drawn for my series was a regional map within 10 miles between two locations.

I also have a village map/blueprint in the long-term making but still not quite ready (in 4th draft). The series is still too early to show any map yet.

Don't think too much about it, just starting making it inside out and erase whatever you feel it's not right. I have been working on the story for a few years now, but only recently sat down to work on maps.

I might just try that. Once I get annoyed Hahahahahaha. For now, I kinda want to plan a little meticulously.

Right now it's like a nightmare for me cause I can't imagine what I really want Hahahahaha. I think it's a little too early for me to show the map (If I do finish one) as well but I'm definitely putting it in my Novel someday.

More often than not, make a map. Doesn't have to be super high quality, but it needs to be enough to reference back to for myself. Basic floor plans for interiors, especially ones used often, just to know where things are relative to a scene. If I intend to explore an area, I usually map it out. Helps me plan out shots and compositions.

You're welcome ! Yes that's a great way of creating your universe and helping you draw... Gives you a pretty good reason to play video games other that pure fun !

I design rooms so that they're consistent shot to shot, and for small areas I'll keep a mental map of where everything is, but I don't make large maps really. For my story, it's not necessary since the story is very character focused, and they go to like four completely different major sprawling cities in the first 8 issues or so, so I just don't have the time to dig in and lay all of that out and design it. Consistency takes work, and it's not something most people will notice for most things. Hell, I redesign most of the guns and scenery on the fly every time I draw them, and nobody's noticed yet.
Here's an example of how people don't think about spatial consistency: in Jurassic Park, there's a scene where the T-Rex eats a goat that's tied to the ground then escapes his enclosure by breaking through the fence. He eats a car for a while, then pushes that car through the same hole in the fence he just walked through a moment ago, only now it leads to a cliff. This area that was flat ground has now magically turned into a bridge. I love that movie, and I've watched it dozens of times. It took me almost 20 years to notice that glaring problem. People just don't focus on that stuff if they're invested in your story.

8 days later

DAYUM I just looked at your comic Heaven Hunters out of curiosity and I must say, it LOOKS Stellar. Imma start reading it whenever I have a bit of time (:

omg omg omg! idk if this counts but Floorplanner has saved my life! I designed the apartment where the characters live, and i use the 3D walk around feature for all my references.

(i'm not very good at architecture, so there are some serious flaws with this apartment... but it's ok! no one will know!)