Learning how to Map

[Monster]

I started getting into mapping again after a couple of years. I made a map before but it was quite horrible. Textures misaligned, lots of leaks, etc. Now I know how to align textures, how not to make leaks, and how to use vertex tools, paste special, etc. This is my second map I've ever created. Anyways I just wanted to get some opinions on how this is looking so far (i didnt use any prefabs. Made with Worldcraft): These are in Darkplaces, RT world, Bloom, 1400x1050.

The starting room:


Secret:


Main room (probably will have a gold and silver key door here):



For some reason these turned out alot darker than they actually look in-game I'm aiming towards a gothic/demonic-type castle with monsters jumping out at you from unexpected places... The lighting is darker than most maps, to create an ominous feeling.

[ORL]

Glad to hear your starting to get into mapping. And your first few maps will always be somewhat blocky. But from looking at your screens, they looked better than my first maps. (trust me, you don't ever want to see it )
If you haven't read it already, and I recommend you do, Worldcraft's main page has an excellent tutorial for beginning mappers, and many tricks and tips even I didn't know of.

http://hosted.planetquake.gamespy.co...ft/index2.shtm

If you need any advice, help, or beta testing your maps, just pm or email me. I'm always interested.

[Monster]

cool, ORL. Yeah, i'm trying to think up of ways to make them less blocky. I'll probably try and create some sloping/arched ceilings. Those shouldnt be too hard. I'm learning more about the different tools and things you can do everyday. Just today I learned about the vertex tool, that helped me create that pentagram. It isn't perfectly symmetrical, but its good enough

I played your orlmaps2 series. Fun stuff. I like the swamp themes and how interconnected the levels are. I also like how you can see the outside walls of the inner rooms from the swamp.. nice work

[Spirit]

Just map and map and map, don't release your first maps as they are pretty much bound to suck. Your shots are typical early maps (the railing, the "ooooh, this shape makes nice shadows") exactly what I first did. If you really want to release it then prepare for heavy critics.
Maybe do some speedmapping first, it really helps getting in touch with your tools and getting your head into mapping.

[rudl]

I started mapping in the year 2006 with the game HexenII and
now 1 year later I experienced that everything in my first Hexen-map is missaligned, about 80 Microbrushes, 20 too thin textures, 100 unused brushes, unvisable... i had to rebuild large parts of it.
I have to say that the first map is something very special and it's worth to continue, even it takes years.

[Monster]

heh, i didnt even think the railing would make cool shadows. I just shoved a light in the middle of it and, Bam I'll keep working on this one until its done. then i'll have to get a theme/inspiration for another map. Maybe if I like this one enough, I'll just keep working on it and adding extra things until I think its good enough to be released.