It would depend on the artist. For example Dyson Logos uses a very different process to Mike Schley and as such their tools including any programs would vary
I believe all art in the books, including maps, are commissioned from a variety of artists outside the company. Each artist’s process is probably unique.
If you want to know how a specific piece was made, I’d ask the artist directly. In newer books that should be easy since each map should identify the artist right beside it. In older books, there’s just a single reference in the book credits at the back, under Cartographer.
Dyson Logos and Mike Schley are probably the most prolific contributors for fifth edition, though. You may be able to find more info on their respective blogs: - https://dysonlogos.blog/ - https://mikeschley.com/
The top two tend to be the ones recommended by people, and they have lots of "content packs" from various artists, but the artists have to make the content packs, so it all comes back to humans who can draw well.
WotC decided it wasn't worth it for them to pay map artists. I agree with you, the ToA/SKT-style maps are much better looking, actually have details on them.
Currently playing Dungeon of the Mad Mage on Roll20, and it's awful, everything is blank and it's miserable both for the DM AND the players.
WotC decided it wasn't worth it for them to pay map artists.
Every map in every D&D book is from a paid artist. Mike Schley, who worked on both ToA and SKT, even had maps in every book released so far this year.
While I know you are correct, I beleive they were agreeing with Perringaiden who said basically that WOTC commissioned artists not map makers to make the "maps".
WotC decided it wasn't worth it for them to pay map artists.
Every map in every D&D book is from a paid artist. Mike Schley, who worked on both ToA and SKT, even had maps in every book released so far this year.
While I know you are correct, I beleive they were agreeing with Perringaiden who said basically that WOTC commissioned artists not map makers to make the "maps".
What are you talking about? Nothing of the sort was said and your comment doesn't make a lick of sense. What Perringaiden said is that the map artists who draw the maps don't use a tool dedicated for map drawing (like Dungeondraft) but are artists who draw the maps using stuff like illustrator and photoshop and other digital drawing tools. I believe Dyson Logos even draws some maps by hand.
Then g1atens made some unhinged comment about WotC not paying map artists which is factually untrue.
As for "map makers" vs "map artists", the module designers design the layouts of the dungeons and then the map artists bring it to life for publication in the books.
Hello. Does anyone know what software Wizards of the Coast uses to make maps for their books and other products?
It would depend on the artist. For example Dyson Logos uses a very different process to Mike Schley and as such their tools including any programs would vary
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
I believe all art in the books, including maps, are commissioned from a variety of artists outside the company. Each artist’s process is probably unique.
If you want to know how a specific piece was made, I’d ask the artist directly. In newer books that should be easy since each map should identify the artist right beside it. In older books, there’s just a single reference in the book credits at the back, under Cartographer.
Dyson Logos and Mike Schley are probably the most prolific contributors for fifth edition, though. You may be able to find more info on their respective blogs:
- https://dysonlogos.blog/
- https://mikeschley.com/
Need help with D&D Beyond? Come ask in the official D&D server on Discord: https://discord.gg/qWzGhwBjYr
A lot of the commissioned stuff is also not made "by a map tool" but rather, by an artist, who uses a
pendigital stylus andpapergraphics tablet.That said some of the more recognized map tools, depending on your style:
The top two tend to be the ones recommended by people, and they have lots of "content packs" from various artists, but the artists have to make the content packs, so it all comes back to humans who can draw well.
WotC decided it wasn't worth it for them to pay map artists. I agree with you, the ToA/SKT-style maps are much better looking, actually have details on them.
Currently playing Dungeon of the Mad Mage on Roll20, and it's awful, everything is blank and it's miserable both for the DM AND the players.
Every map in every D&D book is from a paid artist. Mike Schley, who worked on both ToA and SKT, even had maps in every book released so far this year.
Need help with D&D Beyond? Come ask in the official D&D server on Discord: https://discord.gg/qWzGhwBjYr
While I know you are correct, I beleive they were agreeing with Perringaiden who said basically that WOTC commissioned artists not map makers to make the "maps".
What are you talking about? Nothing of the sort was said and your comment doesn't make a lick of sense. What Perringaiden said is that the map artists who draw the maps don't use a tool dedicated for map drawing (like Dungeondraft) but are artists who draw the maps using stuff like illustrator and photoshop and other digital drawing tools. I believe Dyson Logos even draws some maps by hand.
Then g1atens made some unhinged comment about WotC not paying map artists which is factually untrue.
As for "map makers" vs "map artists", the module designers design the layouts of the dungeons and then the map artists bring it to life for publication in the books.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here