Frequently Asked Questions
What are fantasy maps?
A fantasy map is essentially a map of an imagined place. It could also be a reinterpretation of a real place, but not a true depiction, like some tourist maps or the famous London 'Tube' map. They have been around for hundreds of years at least, and are common in fiction writing. Prominent modern examples are the 100 Acre Wood Winnie The Pooh map, and the Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth map.
How long will it take?
Of course, you'd like to know this before you commit to buying a map. It's difficult to answer though. It depends on the size of the map, and how much detail you would like to be included. As a guide most maps so far have taken between 8 and 20 hours of drawing time to complete. By all means provide me with your requirements and/or budget and we can work in a pay-as-you-go manner if you prefer, so you can see the progress being made without over-committing. I'll let you know if it might take longer than you may have anticipated. Note that from August 2023, I'm also offering software-assisted maps that will take less time to produce for the same requirements. Please ask if you'd like to know more about this.
What will I get for my money?
You will get a unique bespoke map drawn to your requirements, detailing the world you have imagined, to the level you would like. You can get an idea from my portfolio what I might be able to offer you. A map drawn by me will help you to develop stories in your world (and prompt further insight into your world culture), which is one the main reasons many people would like a bespoke map. Working in tandem with The Character Consultancy can reap huge rewards for your world and the stories within - with psychological & cultural insight from The Character Consultancy in addition to the hand-drawn representation of your world.
How will we work together?
To begin with, I'll ask what you would like. For example, what kind of map you want, what area it covers, some details about the geography and planetary information if it's a world map. Don't worry if you haven't thought of all these things. We can work them out together before I start drawing the map. If you have sketches that will help. As will descriptions such as the type (e.g. island, continent, whole world), the geography (where mountains & rivers might be), and where major settlements/cities are. By all means ask if you are unsure and I can help. Sometimes a consultation (see below) will be useful to work these things out.
Once I start the map, I'll get back to you regularly, so we are both on the same page. It's important we maintain communication as the map progresses so you get the map you want. So for that reason I'll only work ahead so far without you validating the work done so far. Communication is usually by Discord . Alternatively we can email. By all means suggest alternatives if you'd prefer.
How do I order a map?
If you already know what you would like, please complete my Map Questionnaire Form (completing this at the start will speed up the start of the project). Otherwise, simply get in touch on Discord or by email, and we'll take it from there.
What happens in a consultation?
A consultation is simply real-time communication with me. You book an hour slot at a mutually convenient time. It's typically done by text over Discord , or can be by voice if you prefer. Just drop me a line. A consultation can be part of the discussion for drawing your map. Or it could be separate and not really map related. As in, we talk about the geography of your world (e.g. where your mountains are, where it might rain, how your planet works in space, but perhaps not any therapeutic needs you may have!). The point being to clarify matters relating to the geography of your world, whether you are having it mapped or not.
What format will my map be in?
I provide maps in PNG format to maintain image quality. WIP (Work In Progress) maps may also be JPEG files. Note these are the formats I use to export maps for you to see, and not the formats I work in. My world maps are usually 7500x4500 pixels (be sure to view at 100% zoom), roughly equivalent to a 32 megapixel/MP image. My maps are produced at 300dpi, so my standard world map is 63.5cm x 38.1cm if printed out (similar to UK paper size A2). I'm increasingly producing maps at different sizes and ratios, so I'm happy to produce maps at any size you require (up to 8k max or ~64MP). I present your maps to you by uploading them onto our Discord chat. If you prefer me to deliver your map in another way, please let me know. I also add them to my portfolio once completed (let me know if you'd prefer it not to be published in this way).
How do I pay you?
I accept payments by Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, & Amex (see page footer below). All are facilitated by Paypal, although you do not need a Paypal account. You can simply make your payment by debit/credit card if you prefer. When payment is needed, I will send an invoice to your email address. This will contain a link, from which you can make the payment by card or from your own Paypal account (once logged in to Paypal). Please get in touch if you'd like to pay in another way & I'll consider it. Note that my prices are inclusive of Paypal fees.
How do I know my information is secure with you?
Regarding payments, I can assure you all your financial details are handled securely as Paypal process the payments, on their site (I do not see any of your payment information). For more information have a look at Paypal security. As for my website, all pages are on a secure connection with your browser (you should see the padlock symbol by your address bar). Likewise, when you fill out one of my forms, the connection is secure and the information sent is encrypted. You also don't need to use your real name on my forms if you prefer. I only require a valid email address so I can send you an invoice.
What projection method do you use for world maps?
I use the standardised Mercator projection method, producing a rectangular map, such that north and south remain up and down on the whole map. I'm open to using other methods if you prefer.
Do you use A.I. (artificial intelligence) to produce maps?
While applications such as ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion and DALLE-E have grown in popularity to produce A.I. art, I only draw my maps digitally by hand, and without any assistance from any A.I. program. My software-assisted maps do not use A.I., and are still drawn out by hand. Such drawings will use pre-drawn templates/brushes which are also not A.I. produced. The only exception to this is when I'm looking to invent place names, when I may use A.I. to speed up the process.
