Made my first map today

Biggest tip I can say is learn how switches work asap, they're the core of any game

 

Okay now do a hand drawn map of Europe in 1066.

 

This post was enough to make me seriously consider taking up mapping as a hobby.

 

i wouldn't do that.
next thing you know you've been kidnapped and are being forced to map the whole world for a pirate crew of fish people.

 

But Google Maps is already pretty much done.

 

fish can't use google

 

Of course they can. It's the sound they make.

 

Google maps also needs to update more often, so it's not that perfect to use. I'll stick with the navigator who's got the skills that's with the Straw Hat now

 

The joke is that Google is the fish people.

 

Ahh, I recall the tutorial you used. It is a good start! Placement is both randomized and organized in such a way that things seem natural without deviating from the necessary directions that the player would take. Biggest recommendation would be to work on tree-work to make it seem more natural through multiple layering of the separate tiles if possible. I actually believe the tutorial in question goes into more detail about it if I recall correctly.

When you are confident with the basic ideas behind mapping, move on to parallax and more advanced things. The RPG Maker forum has great resources on tutorials on this. Aim to make your maps dynamic and interesting as much as you can. Also, work with new tilesets to experiment when you can get them. It would also not hurt to learn some tileset recolouring and make your own tilesets/move on to spriting one day. Baby steps.

Finally, hatok is correct, switches and events are key to these games. Try experimenting with them as much as possible. Make basic games utilising numerous events, move on to big projects, etc. Once you are confident with the default events, then is the time to crack your knuckles and get into the nitty-gritty. If you really want to make your future RPG Maker works shine, get into the coding aspect. It is a god mode. In general coding is necessary for every game as is obvious; RPG Maker does not require any real use of coding while still being dynamic and powerful, but if you know enough Ruby you can turn RPG Maker from your mentor to a real tool of your own control.

Best of luck.