Affinity Photo (Raster app comparable to Photoshop) and Affinity Designer (Vector app comparable to Illustrator) are the closest things you can get to professional software without the monthly or otherwise outrageous costs…roughly $50 each but worth it if you plan on using programs like this on a semi regular basis.  Mac or PC, very powerful for the price and not too difficult to learn.

Make your files 300 dpi+ for printing.  To check the “crispness” from a printer, send them a small square (maybe 3"x3") of the map with a lot of detail inside and have them print it as a test and check the quality.  That way if it’s crap you’re only out a few $.

I don’t know how I missed that thread - I’ve got a lot more ideas now!

Thanks for the info on the plexi too…I’ll look into details on it.  I’m the graphic designer, my brother is the carpenter so I’ll be relying on him for a bit of the construction :-)

It wouldn’t let me post the links correctly…I’m assuming because I’m new - apologies.

Hey guys, first post here.  I’ve been lurking for a while and am very impressed with a lot of the stuff I’ve seen here!  I’m in the early stages of building a “war” table that will house (in theory) interchangeable boards for A&A and Risk at the same time.  Glass top and all the fancy stuff…

I thought I would share the A&A board I’m working on…I prefer the original MB version so it’s loosely based on their map, and even more loosely based on this one:
www -dot- axisandallies -dot- org/forums/index.php?topic=13614.0

Mostly the faint color, old look and retro font are what I’m taking from his as inspiration :-)  I actually tried to contact him via the two e-mails but to no avail…it is a couple years old though.

I’ve attached a JPEG link just to see what you guys think so far and to see if you have any tips…thanks for any input! (JPEG is 8MB, feel free to use - I may upload a PDF when it’s eventually finished if anyone is interested)

What is left to do:
   Modify colors so that they don’t blend so much (Japan, UK, Neutrals specifically)

Add sea zones and island/small zone boxes to the top of the map, with other game items along the sides (reference charts and         such.)

Make sure strokes/national borders are all seamless (some have rough edges, too thick, etc.)

Finish textures (Greenland/Iceland, some small islands and landlocked waters)

Rework and adjust fonts - something more akin to cominges’, as well as larger and styled to match the map and terrain.

Find Midway and Split Canada!  Totally forgot those two early on…

I’m not sure how big the final result will be other than “BIG”…we’ll see how much the wood is going to cost me :-p  I’ll be putting it on matte vinyl adhered to a PVC board…should be pretty sexy :-)

www -dot- judahgraphics -dot- com/map.jpg