how did you get started at mapping? I've been trying for awhile, but I always feel kinda aimless. and, even if I do get Something down, I have no idea how to actually texture it and stuff. I always get roadblocked at the part after the blocking it out part.
is it just practice? does it just "click" at some point? I want to get better but I can't see a path to that.
I started mapping after playing Half-Life 2 maaany years ago, and really wanted to make my own levels for it after finishing it.
However, even before then I have always loved the idea of creating game "maps" or "worlds" to explore even before that, like making houses in Sims 2 or sketching environments on paper
I also used to (And often still do) feel aimless while making maps, which is why I found it extremely helpful to draw "overviews" of my maps-
For example, my TF2 map Lethargy Pools was based on the sketch I did here below, its super messy but it helped me always stay on path, and helps when you feel roadblocked, since you can always look at the sketch for guidance later.
But yes, like with most things, it is just a lot of practice, especially when making maps I think its something that just "clicks" at some point, but when that is, depends on person to person.
Doing little things to make it easier, like planning what you want to make, can help a tremendous amount! Even something as simple as thinking of a theme to stick to "Winter themed map, Halloween themed map etc"
Hope this helps, or even made any sense, good luck on your future maps!
