Drawing fantasy maps means drawing from imagination.

It requires many techniques.

Overlapping:

A powerful way to create the illusion of depth is by overlapping.

Meaning an object that covers part of another object.

If you want to draw trees (or anything else), use overlapping as often as you can.

Try to scatter them in different numbers and locations so as not to create a pattern.

If you are not sure how to draw a composition, visit my composition drawing guide.

Foreshortening:

Foreshortening is a key factor in drawing.

The lower an area is from the horizon, the less it is foreshortened. You might want to check out my round object drawing guide for more info on foreshortening.

In the next example, the bottom of the hut is less foreshortened.

Perspective:

Linear perspective is the most important drawing fundamental when drawing from imagination.

To draw more realistically, use perspective.

Marks:

The character and direction of the marks determine the lay of the land.

Try to draw abstract (not straight) and less defined lines (holding the pen at an angle).

Determine a light source for your map, and draw the shadow part darker (meaning, with more marks).

Sketching:

I find it super helpful to draw some sketches and test different compositions.

For that, I use simple printer paper.

Once I am happy with the design, I draw it on quality drawing paper.