Hello! If you’ve been following me on social media recently, you’ve probably noticed an increase in fantasy maps in my posts.
I’ve loved drawing maps ever since my mom taught me how to distress paper to make it look old for a school project. Combine that with my deep abiding love and inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien, and his maps in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, I have enjoyed in creating maps for myself and the stories that run through my head for a long time.
Before these past few minths, I never really considered pursuing drawing maps more than for my own pleasure, but when I posted those first few maps on Facebook and Instagram, I received a very good response, in addition to several commissions. I realized that I had tapped into something that people wanted and needed.
Because of this, I decided to create Melrose Maps as an offshoot of my illustration business.
You can now find examples of some of my maps here on the Melrose Maps tab on my website. You can find more recent maps and work-in-progress videos on my map Instagram @melrosemaps. I also now have map prints available on distressed, thick paper on my store! Check them out here!
I am planning on launching a Patreon for Melrose Maps this coming January 2020. There will create maps geared towards RPG players, dungeon and game masters, or anyone wanting world-building map inspiration. Some tiers will include one random inspiration map a month, or map packs with interacting maps and illustrations designed to enhance your adventures. I am hoping to implementbsome other cool ideas as my Patreon grows, so stay tuned for that!
Anyway, thanks for reading, and let know if you need any illustrations or maps! I am currently available for commissions.
-Melissa
This is one of my favorite digital paintings that I’ve done. I just got some new tools to do the job, so I’m looking forward to making more like this.
Melissa Beth Rose 