How to Make a Map in 30 Minutes
This post is the written version of the video tutorial, available on the Red Quills YouTube channel.
Have you ever wanted to create a fantasy map but felt like you didn't have the time? Maybe you've looked at intricate, hand-drawn maps and thought, I could never do that in one sitting. Well, I'm here to prove that you can! In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create a beautiful, weathered map in just 30 minutes, using a few simple materials and a bit of creative flair.
For other tutorials, you can check out the rest of the Red Quills Journal.
This guide follows the steps I took in my latest Red Quills video, where I challenged myself to make a fantasy map from scratch in half an hour. The result? A striking, parchment-like map with depth, texture, and a sense of history - perfect for tabletop games, storytelling, or just a bit of creative fun. Let's dive in!
Materials You'll Need
To create this map, I used:
- A sheet of paper (preferably thick, like watercolor paper)
- Tea or coffee (to stain the paper for a weathered look)
- Acrylic paint (for color washes and texture)
- Fineliner pens (for drawing details and borders)
- Metallic ink (for highlights and embellishments)
- A sponge or rag (for applying paint)
- A brush and some water
None of these are expensive or hard to find, and you can substitute where needed. Now, onto the process!
Step-by-Step: Making a Map in 30 Minutes
Step 1: Prepare Your Paper (2 min)
Before diving into drawing, I prepped the paper by crumpling it slightly and tearing the edges. This adds a rough, aged appearance and helps absorb the tea stain later.
Step 2: Tea Staining for an Aged Look (5 min)
I brewed a strong cup of tea, then used a brush to apply the liquid unevenly across the paper. Dabbing with a sponge created variations in tone. After a few minutes, I gently dried it with a hairdryer to speed things up.
Step 3: Rough Sketching the Map Layout (3 min)
Using a light pencil, I quickly outlined the general shape of the landmass, adding jagged coastlines and a few key landmarks. No need for perfection - just broad strokes to establish the form.
Step 4: Adding Mountains and Terrain (4 min)
Mountains were sketched with simple lines and shading, using a fineliner pen to make them pop. I kept them clustered naturally, with valleys and rivers forming between them.
Step 5: Rivers and Lakes (2 min)
Waterways add realism and guide the eye across the map. I let rivers flow from mountains toward the coast, making sure they never branched upstream.
Step 6: Outlining Borders and Features (3 min)
Next, I inked the coastline, reinforcing the shape with small dots and dashes to suggest waves and erosion. I also outlined major regions and cities.
Step 7: Washes of Acrylic Paint (4 min)
A light wash of diluted acrylic paint over the land added subtle earthy tones, blending into the tea-stained background for a natural look.
Step 8: Labeling Key Locations (2 min)
Using a fine pen, I named key locations, adding some flourishes to the lettering for an old-world feel.
Step 9: Decorative Elements (3 min)
A compass rose in the corner and some ornamental borders gave the map a finished, polished appearance.
Step 10: Metallic Ink Highlights (2 min)
A few dabs of metallic ink on the borders and mountains brought the map to life, catching the light beautifully.
Step 11: Finishing Touches and Final Details (1 min)
With the time ticking down, I added any last-minute details, smudging some ink for texture and darkening certain areas to enhance contrast.
The Final Result
In just 30 minutes, I had a fully realized fantasy map, looking aged and authentic as if it had been pulled from an old adventurer's satchel. The process was fast, fun, and surprisingly effective.
What This Challenge Proves
The main takeaway? Making a map doesn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. By focusing on broad strokes and key details, you can create something visually stunning without spending hours agonizing over precision. This approach is especially useful for game masters, writers, and artists who want to quickly generate setting maps.
Want to see the full process in action? Check out the video on my YouTube channel, where I take you through each step in real-time. And if you try this challenge yourself, I’d love to see your results - share them with me on social media or in the Red Quills Discord!
Until next time, happy mapping!