2David

Back in the day, I thought I knew a thing or two about using Illustrator. I started off with version 3.1, and reckon I knew about 80% of what Illy could do. Now, make that 40% or less. I learn on a 'needs-must' basis, but now am thinking I need to up my game.

This frailty came to light this week, when I was asked to produce some maps illustrating walks in Rome. The key word here may be 'Illustrating', as I'm not an Illustrator, I'm a Cartographer.

The maps feature a bird's eye view of a featured walk. A sort of 3-D effect. And this was my downfall. So many years of Topographic mapping has locked me into the 2-dimensional, and I can't visualise that 3rd dimension.

A shame really, as the finished articles look stunning when done well. I had a brief attempt at capturing these Roman streets, but soon realised that my ham-fisted attempts just don't do justice to the Eternal City. The task defeats me.

So now I'm thinking - what dimensions are open to me?

For now, I think it best that I be 2David, and consider my options.

At least that's better than being 1 dimensional.