THE LEARNING ARCHIVES

Whether you're creating maps for a novel, rpg, or just for fun, this collection of tutorials and map tips will help you create more professional and believable maps for your story!

How to Use the Border Brush in The Fantasy Map Builder
Map Tip Josh Stolarz Map Tip Josh Stolarz

How to Use the Border Brush in The Fantasy Map Builder

Do you want to add an epic fantasy border to your map, but you don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you do know, and that’s the problem because you know how long it takes to do one by hand. This is why I added a new border brush in the latest update of The Fantasy Map Builder, to make the process of putting the finishing touches of your map that much easier!

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Sea Monsters - What Scale Should You Draw Them?
Map Tip Josh Stolarz Map Tip Josh Stolarz

Sea Monsters - What Scale Should You Draw Them?

Do you want to draw some awesome sea monsters on your fantasy map, but aren’t sure what scale they should be? Should you go with a more realistic scale, or will they be too hard to see? Can you make them larger or will that throw off your whole map? But, is striving for “realism” negatively affecting the impact of your maps? Lets get into it!

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How to Draw a Whirlpool Vortex
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Whirlpool Vortex

There is something mysterious about a swirling vortex of water that seems to be draining into the depths of the ocean. This is why a whirlpool or maelstrom is a compelling feature to include on your fantasy maps as it opens up so many storytelling possibilities. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through some easy steps so you can draw your own whirlpool on your fantasy maps.

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How to Draw a Kraken
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Kraken

What lurks below the surface? There is something terrifying about knowing there could be a massive predator swimming just below you with no idea that it’s even there. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through some easy steps so you can draw a kraken on your fantasy maps.

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How to Draw 7 Fantasy Map Borders
Map Tip Gerralt Landman Map Tip Gerralt Landman

How to Draw 7 Fantasy Map Borders

Want to draw a border on your map but don’t know where to even start? Borders are a creative and fun way to put some lore and style into your maps. Making these borders requires some skill but once you get the hang of it things get fun really quickly. In this guest tutorial, Gerralt (DimensionDoor_Maps) will share 7 beautiful borders you can begin using today on your maps!

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How to Draw a Barrow Icon
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Barrow Icon

You will find barrows and burial mounds throughout the real world as the final resting places of rulers, warriors, or even groups of people. Drawing a barrow on your map gives a sense of realism and implies a more vibrant history of the world you’ve created. In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw a barrow and add a new level of intrigue to your map.

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How to Draw a Compass
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Compass

A compass is probably the most recognizable symbol associated with map making. They are also an opportunity to convey something about the culture of the world you’re creating by incorporating patterns and textures in their design. In this tutorial, you will learn how to easily draw a compass on your fantasy maps.

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How to Draw Tombs
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw Tombs

Drawing a tomb on your map is a great way to add intrigue and a sense of history to your world. They are a compelling feature that gets your imagination going and asking questions, which is exactly the reaction you want from a viewer. In this tutorial, you will learn how to easily draw a tomb on your maps.

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How to Draw a Sailboat - Top Down Perspective
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Sailboat - Top Down Perspective

Drawing a ship sailing the seas of your fantasy maps is a great way to convey a bit of the culture of your setting. You can also use them to indicate trade routes, and if the city is a major port in the region. In this tutorial, I will walk you through how to draw a simple wooden sailboat you can use on your fantasy city maps.

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How to Draw an Isometric Castle
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw an Isometric Castle

Learning to draw a castle for your maps is a great way to begin telling the story of the world you’re creating. Not only do castles act as a seat of political power for a lord in the region, but they are also an important site of trade and commerce. I have broken down the steps I take when drawing a castle so you can begin drawing them on your maps.

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How to Draw a Simple Compass
Tutorial Josh Stolarz Tutorial Josh Stolarz

How to Draw a Simple Compass

There is probably nothing more iconic in cartography than the compass rose. Not only do they serve to orient the viewer of your map, but they are also an opportunity to get creative and reflect the culture of the world. There are nearly limitless ways to draw a compass, but in this tutorial I want to set a foundation for you to build upon later. You will learn everything you need to draw a simple compass on your fantasy maps, and hopefully it will inspire and give you confidence to take it a step further.

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