Where Do I Start?

http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=2828

Something I really wish I'd known about when I started on my map.

I would check this thread out:
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=4755

Dario from Valve goes into detail about his process, not a bad place to start

Eventually you'll get into a rhythm you're comfortable with, just try out a bunch of different stuff and don't worry about it being perfect right off the bat

good luck

start with the base of the map and then work your way up with basic brushes and important objects, then gradually start to ad detail.

If we're strictly talking base construction, go with your gut man. It's bset to start where you're most motivated, so look at your layout sketches or whatever and go with the area that you have the most vivid image of in your head. Once you get started, the work will just take over

HojoTheGreat said:

If we're strictly talking base construction, go with your gut man. It's bset to start where you're most motivated, so look at your layout sketches or whatever and go with the area that you have the most vivid image of in your head. Once you get started, the work will just take over

Click to expand...

This is a pretty nice approach, given you've looked into some basic Hammer practices (the cleaner it is now, the better when you add to it and need to test). At that point, yes I'd start with what interests you most visually or playfully. I'd also use Dario's advice of prop_static's with the class models placed around to maintain a sense of scale and imagining how classes will work as well (something I wish I considered for my first couple maps). I've found that no reference for proportions is the secret little roadblock of progress, for me at least.

Personally, I've grown accustomed to working on the central point of interest or conflict first, and then branch out. Although, that's because I've created this personal habit of not leaving enough room by starting on the boundaries/spawn points. As ABBAttoir stated previously, it's a result of working from one's own rhythm. Good luck and please post some WIP's when you feel comfortable!

What I did was think how big I want certain areas to be relative to valve's maps, then I went into decompiled version of valve's maps and took my measurements from there and made my base layout.

And use Mangycarface's guide "TF2, fast and easy".