I want to say a few things here that I should have said earlier. For one, I am certainly not as good with the flow part of mapping as some people are here, and I'm glad for any advice that you have there. I appreciate comments and criticism in this regard.
However, with graphics, I'm going to go right out here and say something unpopular. I think that the idea of "teestyle" has been taken too far and made too specific. It seems there are art police that have arisen who decide on the merits of any graphics based on how much it conforms with the default style. Some degree of uniformity is good, but I think at this point, it has turned in to a requirement instead of a stylistic choice.
I chose my style (minimal shading, more contrast, high detail) on purpose because I think it creates a nicer look and feel than the default maps. I think all map artists should make their style conform enough with vanilla to not look out of place, but at the same time, develop their own unique style within those limits. The dramatic trend towards conformity here, in my opinion, has made this frowned upon.
The artistic choices in this map were purposeful, and I am trying to stick out from the crowd instead of becoming part of a trend that distinguishes itself by its normality. Even if the community is against it, I will try to make my own style.
I need to figure out something to put here.
