Well, I have one suggestion that I have for probably 95% of the images in the galleries: Lights! Learn how to paint with light. Study some photography books, pay attention to how movies use lights to set the mood (just compare "Sin City" to "Amelie"...) and above all, experiment! Here are some basic 3d light tutorials: http://www.warpedspace.org/lightingT/part1.htm http://www.itchy-animation.co.uk/indoor-light.htm Try this place for heaps of inspiration and information: http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=185