We usually take that skin make layers then Ctrl T Distort, warp until it looks right. Some of us even use liquify to put the texture in shape.
Then we make like 2 layers : one shadow, one highlights, create them as clipping and paint in them with black and white. One is overlayed the other is screened or we just play with the opacity of them.

Some use burn/ doge but that's a bit to permanent.
That reptile is so good!!! you could use it's spikes to make hair for your girl, a mohawk maybe

I agree with you author and George55, I think every person deserves at least one comment, instead of feeling overlooked and left out. In order to grow as an artist, constructive critiques are needed, and some people don't get that.

But anyway, interesting little insect and well constructed, but it does need shadows. Always remember shadows, people are really picky about that :P just a pointer. Nice creation, though

I think it looks ok..... you know, sometimes, we try hard just to come up with something... you did a good work... good luck.

You created something with the source image, and your work deserves a comment, it needs some shadows. You did a good job. good luck!

Nice image! SBS would be even better.

Darn that seagull! need to shoot it down I want my color back! 8D
Very neat concept IMO if you can work on the blending on the sky layer that should work a little bit better.

I like the effect Just a suggestion...where your skies meet in the upper background could be better transitioned...I see what you are trying to do it just looks a little choppy IMO....Best of Luck

LMAO!!! That's Great!!!

lolz it engulfed a career ship...gawd..nice

This is very weird.

Very cool!

nice idea -- there is a white edge around the gorilla and there appears to be a stray bit of an image behind it

nice choice of images == well blended - like the eye as the sun

The plastic filter is a bit too heavy for the image, but I love the concept and the use of pattern fills!

Looks like a Kitty Quilt ... really different work!

I really like the title for its self-deprecation. The whimsical charm of the image is appealing. But the unicorn seems part of the background rather than the focus as indicated by the title. Less is more, which means there are too many extra things when simplicity is most compelling. Having the unicorn cast some sort of shadow would help ground it into the image.