Well these is some example how some new map makers can start create some map.Ofcourse these is mine working stages, and maybe can help.
Stage1-Like you see,you need to find some map who is relative with yours idea(in mine case these is Western Front)
Stage2-When you find map,then its need to remove all unnesesary things,and left only Western Europe borders, and prepare to create new continents and new borders.
Stage3-4-Now these is stages when you start to research for names and start to create Continents and borders.
Stage5-Now when you finish with all things from stage 3-4,its time for add colours.
Stage6-7--these is peroid in work,when you must experiment with all kind of colour options and to find what is best colours for your map.
Stage 8-now its time to put all your effort to create Bonus Area,and to fill with all relevant and required things(Continent names-Bonus walues-other gimicks)
Stage 9-The job is over and map is finish.
Eastern Front
Imperium Romanum
Iwo Jima
Ardennes Offensive
Europe 1914
Peloponnesian War
if you want to know how im create other maps,i will be happy to give short storry,like these.