Mind if I ask a question or two? You don't have to answer these... they are just to give you something to think about while working on this map.

You said this was for a publication.. Gaming Module? Article? Book perhaps? Depending on what it's for... there maybe details that should be included to bring people in.. for example: if it's for a gaming module that module would have random encounters, but there would also be a goal/quest/mission that the module is built around. Is there any hint of that in your map? If it's for a book, the book has a plot, and landmarks of areas that help the plot along. I'm seeing a region... but what is it about that region makes it special? Is there a demon worshipping cult somewhere in the mountains? A sleeping God/Goddess that needs to be awakened? An evil king that needs to be overthrown? A map for a publication should enhance the publication. How does this map enhance your publication?

wow, if this is your first map, I can't wait to see what you do once you actually learn the program! This map is phenomenal!! I especially love your coast line, which is NOT easy to do in the Schley style. I know... I've tried.

I personally don't think it looks all that busy... but if you want to tone things down a bit, I do have a couple ideas of how you could do that. It may take a little more time, but I think it would get the point across.

I'm thinking that you believe that your forests are what is making this map look so busy. A way that you can make it look less so, but still show how massive the forests are, is in the use of different symbols, with a 'color wash' underneath them. I made a small little map to show you what I mean. It also shows you what effects can do for your maps, as I have some glows, transparencies, and edge fade inners, on various parts of this map.