Non-technical design Q

[Cicero]

Just out of curiosity, what method(s) do you experienced map-makers use when starting out and building a new map? I have lots of ideas, tons of inspiration, but everything I seem to build just doesn't seem "quite right". Either it's slow as hell because I do it the easy way (make a big room and throw all sorts of solids in it) or it doesn't look right because I try using mostly smaller negative brushes and hooking them together with hallways (which ends up pretty bland).

Are there any "tricks to the trade" so-to-speak about map-making? Guidelines I should follow, little ideas about how to assemble many smaller rooms to look like a big room? I have most of the knowledge, I have the inspiration, I just need to know how to mix the two together in the right way..

Thanks in advance!

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Great minds talk about ideas,
Average minds talk about events,
Small minds talk about other people.

[Wanderer]

Keep the scale right. I've made several maps where the scale is off but it looks right in the game.

Just keep it fun. As long as it's fun you've got the initial part down. You kind of learn things as you go really. You learn kind of learn what to do and what not to.

I don't know, I'm getting jaded at this stuff. I just know too much but can't say it right.

[Yoda]

Take into account what kind of game you are trying to design (DOM, CTF, DM) before you get too far into it. Some maps are not good for DM but great for CTF. I like open maps for DM. I also try to play the game in my head before I start to check the flow! I would love to make an "OK Corral" style map, but not to sure if it would be a good DM, maybe a CTF? Anyway, make sure it all makes since!

"Do or Do not, there is no try!"