This page contains links to a number of tutorials I’ve written in order to help other fantasy writers make use of modern software.
Where possible, I try to stick with free and open source software like Inkscape and GIMP.
Coming Soon – Fantasy Mapmaking Tutorials
In the near future, I intend to write a series of tutorials that will help you draw maps of your imaginary worlds in the latest version of Inkscape, a free and open source vector graphics editor. These tutorials will go over how you can make everything from continents to mountains to castles and villages.
Learn to bring your fantastic worlds to life using only free and open-source software!
Since these tutorials are for vector software, your maps will scale as big as you need them, and because all the software we’ll be using is completely free, you won’t have to spend one penny to visualize your story’s world.
Although my mapmaking tutorials are mainly in Inkscape, we’ll also make use of other great software like GIMP and Blender, all of which are free and open source. These software, although not strictly necessary, will ease and enhance your fantasy mapmaking workflow.
Parchment Effect in GIMP
I’ve written an article on how you can create a parchment effect in GIMP, a free and open source photo editing software. Once you’ve made a map in Inkscape, you could publish it as-is. But if you want your maps to have an older feel, you’ll want to bring it over to GIMP.
This article will explain how I create the texture of old-fashioned parchment in photo editing software. GIMP is particularly well-suited to this task, as its noise filters are extremely versatile even when compared to paid software. I’ll also talk about some of the ways you can apply this texture to your maps.
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