Creating different map stylesThe Standalone Projects
Cartography is what we do here at the Red Quills. It’s what this channel, this ‘guild’, was made to do. I explore fantasy worlds through the medium of maps, and I’m not alone in that particular quirk. But there is more to making a map than just putting pen to paper.
Different styles of maps, different use of paints and inks, different inspirations from historical examples: all of them have created different map projects.
The Red Quills was started in 2024 because a friend of mine wanted a tutorial on creating a fantasy map for their ongoing story. I had demonstrated an interest in the past, and I was more than happy to create a video and post it to YouTube. A few likes and subscribers later, and I decided to post weekly.
And as I made more tutorials, created more projects, and certainly got far better at writing, recording, and editing videos, I found that what I knew about maps was far outweighed by what I did not know.
Even now, I’m still experimenting. I have done whole series with the specific intention of learning what I can — by imitating historical styles, dissecting popular maps of fiction, focusing on different details within a chart. I find it fascinating.
Each style lends itself to a different story.
Illustrated "Red Quills" Style | Coloured Ink Book Style
Lovecraftian Style | White on Black (w. UV-activated ink)
Cyberpunk Style | Acrylic on Paper (w. tracing paper additions)
Science Fiction Style | White on Blue (star map w. inserts)
Pirate Chart Style | Weathered Paper, Ink
Storybook Style | Acrylic Paint on Paper
Gothic Horror Style | Ink and Stain on Paper (w. bloodstaining)
World Builder's Style | Ink on Paper (w. watercolour highlights)
Edo City Style | Ink and Watercolour on Paper
Han Realm Style | Watercolour and Ink on Paper
Medieval Heraldic Style | Watercolour and Ink on Paper
Painted Landscape Style | Watercolour on Paper
Book Insert Style | Black Ink on Paper
