Fictional map making

I have received several emails (and a comment) asking for use of the maps I've made, and looking at my site stats, the phrase, "fictional map" is relatively popular.  My answer: go ahead. If for some reason you use the actual map with my place names, I'd love to hear from you.  Drop me an email and let me know what you're using it for.  Otherwise, do what you want with them.

So, here's The Wreath map with Nênemos, a city at the bottom of the sea, somewhere in equatorial Atlantic.  Another blank version which is the bottom half one of my watercolors turned sideways, and then my seadragon legend sketch.  (Click on the images to see them full sized).

To hell with using mine, make your own!

Here's what I use:

Watercolor paints, some watercolor paper that isn't going to warp terribly, and spray bottle or wash cloth that can hold a decent amount of water.  Access to a digital scanner and some imaging software  (PSP, Photoshop, GIMP, etc.)

I don't think the color matters, although I prefer browns--you know--earth tones, for some wacky reason.  It just seems to make sense.  I haven't tried using browns around the edges and greens or other colors to create a topographical effect.  The idea's interesting and worth a try.

Use a lot of water with the paint to draw the outline.  Use the spray bottle to push (blast) the paint into various natural looking shapes.  The towel full of water works as well, but it may be a bit more difficult to handle.  Let dry.  Scan and manipulate digitally or go over outlines with a pencil or pen before scanning.  I've done them both.

Coastline hacks:

I have found that the purposeful misuse of watercolors makes for some cool coastal boundaries.  I have even tried sloshing coffee over the rim and then setting the cup down on paper to get a cool mix of order and chaos, overall circle with some nice dark random staining.  Let it dry and outline with a pencil. Really cool mapping effects.

Links to other mapping resources:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~genmaps/genfiles/COU_Pages/WAL_pages/CGN.htm

http://www.cix.co.uk/~morven/worldkit/index.html
Some beautiful old maps of Antarctica from Australian Antarctic Data Centre:
http://aadc-maps.aad.gov.au/aadc/mapcat/maps_on_lineage.cfm?map_lineage_id=37