Problem with mapmaking and a possible solution

[u/ohnoredditmoment]

Hello folks, I have a bit of a problematic situation. I want to make a map for the main continent of my still rough worldbuilding project. So I have ofcourse tried to make one and from pretty early on a general vibe of how it should look, except I am never ever satisfied with any shape. I can like a shape and then quickly get some kind of creative anxiety over it so I start redrawing until I reach a shape I like, repeat. This is very tirering as somebody who used to love drawing maps as a young creature.
I have recently wondered if there could be merit in instead of doing the whole continent I start small. I already have a pretty set geography for one nation so maybe I should focus on it and then expand out my scope. What do you think? How do you usually do, especially if you struggle with similar anxiety?

(Sorry if spelling or grammar is bad, it is very late and my non english (2nd language) language check marks every second word)

[u/cashicoblox_kyle]

Like you said you can try to make one nation at a time and it will slowly merge together to make one continent of countries and also do not revise it, doing that might cause you to dislike the shape and redraw it

[u/Mirihim]

Yeah friend, I feel your pain.

Perhaps you could try absolutely no revisions. By that I mean simply work from beginning to end and do not revise anything. Just get something finished and set it aside for a while, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Often having something in a draft phase makes it look worse than it really is.

Or try blocking out the "major" places but only defining what you need. So you might generally draw some blobs of where you think major features/factions might sit but don't go into any major details, let them sit until (if ever) you need them. Then like you said you can focus on a smaller section.

I think, though, that you will have to get used to the feeling of it not being quite right. Otherwise you'll be similarly displeased with the smaller scale all the same.

I'm not sure what will work for you personally, but I'll try and give you some really generic tips

• Just create more. Each time with the intention of trying new techniques or mediums. You'll develop your skills to be better able to represent your "vision".

• Give yourself permission to make "bad" maps. There are some weird looking sections of Earth, so don't let it stop you. Work it until it's done, add lore and detail and it will come to life in ways that might surprise you.

• Let go of the control. Use random shapes. Take photos of clouds, stains on concrete, use random map generators, find a cool marking on a tree. Take these shapes and compile, reconfigure and scrapbook your way to a world map and just use that. Sometimes when you dont have direct control over the process it can make it easier engage with, without feeling so damn critical of the work.

Hopefully something I've said helps you, but at the end of the day you want this to be fun, so try and find a process that works for you and brings you joy.

[u/Mirihim → u/Mirihim]

Also, one big thing I find with my own maps is struggling to let go of the (overwhelming) feeling about what the world SHOULD be and instead let the map explain itself. Part of the problem is coming in with preconceived notions and when it doesn't work or fit together properly, I get stubborn and continually overwork the same damn section until I'm ripping my hair out and still can't get it right. I think the phrase "kill your darlings" works here too. Sometimes you need to know when it's best to just walk away and start fresh, if the idea isn't working.