How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans

DISCLAIMER: I have only been drawing based on the guides in this book for about an hour or two. I think this is a really good book. As basically a novice at drawing maps, it has very good step-by-step guides with clear illustrations to show exactly how do each thing. I have only been practising so far, but already on my first attempts I have drawn a nice-looking continent and the individual map elements such as mountains and forests that I have tried look fairly good. Though obviously will get better with practice. It goes into nice detail as it lays out in particular, for the most part, what pencil to use (or is suggested to be used by the author), and as a bonus also offers some general geography facts to help with more realistic placement of map features. In general, it builds up piece by piece to a complete fantasy map at the end that showcases everything talked about in the book. I must say, the example at the end is very nice and really fancy. The book covers not only the initial drawing, but also all the colouring of the map, as well as things like calligraphic writing (and in multiple fonts/styles) for labels, the map compass and even coats of arms and things like that, perhaps for different factions or kingdoms in your world(s), and nicely decorated page borders. All in all, very pleased. I am an aspiring creator of fantasy worlds and/or stories which is why I was interested in this book to help develop a "story world". Not disappointed, I think it will be extremely helpful. Note: based on Kindle version.

One of the few books that adequately deals with cartography, let alone fantasy cartography. Blando has done many amazing and interesting maps for Dungeons and Dragons and in this book he demonstrates how to create a map from scratch. Aside from the basics of map design there are a couple of pages dedicated to paper and tools, with more info. dedicated to inking and colouring the maps. Even if you're not an artist this book can give you a guiding hand on how to get started in this obscure realm of drawing and design!

Well presented book on drawing a map. Building up from rough outline to full-colour-glory. Could be better if there were different styles for maps covered, and different maps as well - overland, city, underground, etc. As it is it's a nice book, very well presented and easy to follow. I wasn't disappointed.

I bought this book to help with me teaching my Art Club how to create their own fantasy maps this year. The book is very well laid out with lots of tips and excellent imagery. Great ideas and ways to expand on what is taught in the book and wonderful map examples. Highly recommended!

Bought for my daughter for Christmas, but after looking through it, I know she will absolutely love it! Has really good tips on making RPG (role playing game) maps, including features & different type of lettering & paper types to give different effects. Think of the opening credits of Game of Thrones but a paper version… this book shows you how to design & make your own!

This is a very clear guide, nicely illustrated, to the old fashioned way of drawing maps - with pencils and pens. The text and instructions can be understood by children, and contains basic advice, but is also good for adults too. Although it is aimed at fantasy map making all the techniques could be applied to contemporary, historical or imaginary maps for any purpose.

Easy to follow with good diagrams and instructions. I'm not a good artist but I made a few hills look more like they should be instead of being a blob. Very good buy.

Really interesting book, the artwork is good quality and it breaks everything down so that even the artistically challenged (me) can make solid maps. Ideal for dungeon masters looking to do a bit of world building, or map fans in general.

Excelent book. The most complete and useful "software" to draw fantasy and RPG maps. Use your hands with the tips in this book. It's funny, relaxing and the best way to draw maps. This book gave me inspiration.

Excelentes condiciones,ilustraciones útiles, consejos,material que necesitarás, ejemplos gratuitos, buenas guías de cartografía

Jag är glad med boken,

I just received my copy in the mail today, and I think this book is very well done. I was looking for something a little less "rudimentary" regarding Mr. Blando's process and style, but I can already tell this is going to be a go-to book for many budding and aspiring young cartographers. If this book had existed when I was discovering RPGs in junior high, I think I'd have developed into a better artist all around as it provides a process to explore one's own map-making and drawing skills. The book seems to be written to directly address a person who is inspired by their imagination to create their own RPG world. How do you get the ideas out of your head and into a map that will help you play out the stories you want to tell? It's not necessarily written for more advanced and developed map-makers or cartographers, but speaks right to the heart of the need of those that have never made a map before and are bursting with ideas. The step-by-step methods he outlines are simple, and he takes it from an analog rather than a digital perspective. Anyone using a computer can certainly follow his outline, but he assumes his readers don't have a fancy computer program they've somehow mastered with all its bells and whistles. This book is more of pencil-and-paint approach, not a Photoshop recipe. It also has a LOT of visual examples. The vast majority of the book gives examples but doesn't delve into specifics: "Step 1, Draw the henge. Step 2, Add detail. Step 3, Add finishing detail." It doesn't ever tell you how to draw the henge or add the details, it instead shows visual examples of how Mr. Blando does it. So there are lots and lots and LOTS of visual illustrations that are really inspirational. 30 years ago when I was in junior high, this book would have been too cost prohibitive to print. But today, it's a visual treat that young people get to enjoy. My only regret (and perhaps some day Mr. Blando will write another book addressing it) is that it's a little too rudimentary for more advanced fantasy cartographers or fans of his work. I suspect, however, that may have had something to do with his editors and publishers. Mr. Blando creates stunningly beautiful and imaginative cartography with a very high level of detail. And probably the best thing about this book is that it helps raise one's awareness of the thinking that goes into that detail. It parses his approach out into elements that a casual viewer can use to go back and appreciate his work (and all fantasy cartography) with new eyes. Helping budding cartographers become aware of all those possible aspects to creatively express one's own imagination through artistic mapping is probably the most valuable and impacting contribution this book will make. It's going to influence a lot of beginning mappers, like similar "How to Draw" books have made on impressionable young artists. And ultimately that's a good thing. I recommend gifting this book to the young RPG'er in your life. They'll devour it.

Absolutely amazing book, starts very simple and ends very complex, good to build skills over a long period of time.