Discolored, Destroyed, and Desaturated Maps [Released]
Hey,
I am working on a process to take the naturally brilliant saturated colors provided by the CC3 maps, then converting them into something that looks a little more like raster based artwork.
What do you think?
In regards to the first map: Please keep in mind this is only a sample of a zoomed in region of the map, the full scale version has faded and torn edges that make it look like it was printed on paper.
In regards to the second map: Players found this inside a worn book, so the design reflects that. The second map uses the "Mordhill" map by Derek Wallace.
*Edit: See last post for directions and the download links
Thanks,
Avotas
I am working on a process to take the naturally brilliant saturated colors provided by the CC3 maps, then converting them into something that looks a little more like raster based artwork.
What do you think?
In regards to the first map: Please keep in mind this is only a sample of a zoomed in region of the map, the full scale version has faded and torn edges that make it look like it was printed on paper.
In regards to the second map: Players found this inside a worn book, so the design reflects that. The second map uses the "Mordhill" map by Derek Wallace.
*Edit: See last post for directions and the download links
Thanks,
Avotas
Comments
This is a brief sample of how it works, if there is enough appeal I will consider releasing the templates to the community, they are easy to use and produce almost instant effects.
Photoshop Layers:
Layer Adjustment (Brightness / Contrast)
Layer Adjustment (Hue / Saturation)
Crumbled Paper FX
Border (second picture)
City Names (can be easily done in CC3, but I like being able to move them in Photoshop)
Dark Spots
Hole (second picture)
Handwriting (second picture)
Compass rosé (second picture)
Selective Desaturation Map (fine control over what gets Desaturated)
Base Map (Standard CC3 image)
So all you really need to do to reproduce this style is to download the template and replace the Base Map with your CC3/DD3/Etc image. The layers above do all the art work ^^
If you want to see the template released leave some feedback below, tell your friends, bribe your family.
*Note: I believe it's actually possible to do all of this inside CC3, but it would be harder to complete. I figure that most people have Photoshop or Paint.net on this forum. If there is enough interest I could be talked into making a special sheet effect that will produce like results.
-Avotas
I very much enjoy the maps that I can create with CC3, but I can never get the colors to look ... well, just like that! So I end up using a sepia or a greyscale or something along those lines. I want this. I might even pay (a little) for something like this.
(I don't own Photoshop, btw, to be honest I only boot up Windows to use CC3 these days, so I mainly use The Gimp on Linux ^^)
-Avotas
As pictured the "Mordhill" map by Derek Wallace, with the modified style applied.
The majority of this effect is controlled through the use of a PNG file, and a little digital trickery to get everything correctly aligned and presentable. I have simplified the process as much as possible, but in doing so sacrificed some of the finer controls. For those more advanced users I have included the original PSD (Photoshop) for full customization of the files.
Step One:
Open your favorite map in CC3/DD3
Goto Draw -> Insert File
Step Two:
Select "Bitmap Options" (bottom middle) and make sure Transparency is set to "Alpha Transparency". In addition make sure "Hide Picture Outline" is selected and your "Use Current Color" is unselected. Finally change Make Path to "absolute path."
Step Three:
Navigate and select the PNG file "BookPageFilter" hit OK
Step Four:
Click and drag the PNG file until it's correctly sized on your screen, use the CTRL to distort the image for a more customized fit, or SHIFT key to rotate things.
Because you are dealing with a raster PNG, with limited resolution, you should be able to print maps up to 20 inches in diameter before noticeable artifacts start appearing.
I placed my drawing on a new sheet, to make sure it always remains the top most layer.
Step Five:
Select Sheets and Effects
Activate Sheet Effects
Select "Whole Drawing" under "Effects that apply to"
Click "Add"
Click "Adjust Hue/Saturation"
Set Lightness to 50%
This step reduces the bright colors, and gives an effect similar to a Desaturated image. Apparently setting a Saturation level only works for vector art (land/water), but Lightness works on both vector and raster art.
Step Six:
Use the Zoom Region Tool (magnifying glass with the blue box) to center the drawing on the screen.
Step Seven:
Print the active window, or save it out as a BMP ^^
* Note: Despite selecting "print active window" I still get some of the "extra" map along the top and bottom. If you know a way to only print what you see on screen please let me know.
If you have any suggestions or enhancements requests please post here!
Download Links:
PNG Download Link
PSD (Advanced) Download Link
-Avotas
Thanks for posting!
All work is created by hand, and carefully blended for as realistic result as possible.
Stay tuned for information on a release date in the coming months.
-Avotas