This is my first map I have ever done using PS 5.1.

Just want some feed-back on what you guys think, anything you don't like, ect.

Click to view attachment

A few things to note:

The building: It is remarkably large, and your still using the default shadows- which doesn't help you very much So I would suggest creating your own shadows.

To do these shadows you need to use a black brush and set the transparency to around 35-37% depending on your preference
they also need to be created on a seperate layer which you can label wall shadows. This just makes it look slightly more natural than square boxed in shadows....*shudders*

Another thing you could add is shadows on the floor, due to the fact that it's outside there won't be too much in the centre, but for this you need to get a brush that is around 5-10% transparency, then you can add some shadows beneath the buildings, to and also around the trees.

Personally I wouldn't have such a big building...it also is still "blocky. try creating a brush using the grass from RPG Maker VX or something similar.

Overall, it's a brilliant start and I look forward to seeing more of your maps, the more you create them the easier it gets

Yes, this building is proving to be a pain in my ass, because it's suppose to be a large single building located in the woods north outside of town, however it's a rather larger interior, about 4 maps worth...

I am trying to figure out a way to make it look more natural, but so far nothing has come to mind. I just need a exterior that matches, or more or less makes sense, when compared to what is inside it.

I will certainly work on the shadowing a bit, didn't think to us a transparent brush.

This is actually meant for level and map design. (I think it's obvious why.)

I'll move it there.

I don't know about parallaxing but there are some basic things that could be improved upon.

The dimensions of the house are just kind of weird, imagine the inside; those rooms that jut out would be individually quite small and make them less functional.
The roof tiles also cause some confusion over the buildings dimensions, its irregular for areas of the roof to jut out further than others, not impossible just a little obscure. Try having the slanted tiles have the same number of rows all round the house and increasing the size of the flat roof. (Also, as this appears to be a wealthy persons estate consider converting it into some sort of roof terrace.)
The placement and different sizes of windows; typically a window means a floor of a house therefore the tiles closer to the centre suggest a one floor building and towards the sides the windows suggest several floors. Again, not impossible, but a little odd architecturally.
Ultimately, its just a weird house. It looks like it was built by someone who wanted to flaunt their wealth conservatively, and failed to successfully do either. It looks like an attempt to make something big small. Either fully go one way or the other I'd say. Possibly consider displaying size by building up rather than outwards.

The whole building also looks just a little too clean/new for the surroundings. The woods are overgrowing and the pavement is no longer properly taken care of. If this is so then the house should also show signs of wear and tear. Just tinting the screen slightly or something would really alter the atmosphere of the whole shot.

All the shrubbery is impressive, I assume that's what was parallaxed, if so you show a knack for it =]

I am glad to say my thoughts on the house are the same as you guys, also thanks Titan don't know how I missed it... Won't happen again.


Yeah, gonna re-do the whole thing for sure. I made myself a promise not to take my first try on anything, so doing this again is only going to help me get better.

I personally like it so far. The building, however, seems a bit strange. I don't know it it's to... in-out-in-out with the "pop out" sections. =\
I love the trees at the bottom; it really does give that feel of a forest. Maybe add a few offset trees to make it seem more natural instead of cookie cut out forest.
I would also like to see more ground variation beside the house; or maybe beside it. Possibly a flower, rock, dirt... Unless they used pesticides back then

I agree the building needs fixed. Maybe add some peaks so it's not all flat? But it's a good start, and I like the way the trees came out.