Switched from using GIMP (yeah, Im that kind of cheap) to using Photoshop Elements 9. I can already tell a big difference in the quality of the final piece of artwork. A big thanks to bounty of tips, tricks and tutorials from Matt Khor at www.ctrlpaint.com. I would still be doing things the old way if not for him. The old way as being the same thing as pencil and paper, I was starting to see no point in digital if it takes the same ammount of time. If you haven't checked out his Photoshop help, look him up either his website or on You Tube, either way you find him at ctrlpaint.com.