What makes someone a professional mapmaker?
Every time I go in Oo, I see newbs who only make bounds and they think they're pro. Even worse, when I play them, it sucks ass.
Many good mapmakers say that making RPGs are the key to being a good mapmaker. Defense may be as well. However, more of the professionals create RPGs.
Do you really need to make RPGs to become a good mapmaker?
If you make maps that are fun and look like they were made by someone over 10 years old, then you're a GOOD mapmaker. Not GREAT, but good.
Look at the pinned topics, this is basically answered, because what makes a professional map maker is the maps they make, which is what professional maps topic is all about.