Quote - > Quote - I don't want to create realistic renders, that's the LAST thing I want. 

Once you move away from realistic the possibilities for styles, effects etc are endless. Pretty difficult for people to give you useful critique if you are the only one who knows what sort of non-realistic 'look' you have in mind.

I think it would be useful if you found an image that you really like, post it and say exactly what you like about it, then the pros here can tell you how to get there.

Good idea, but I think Primorge really nailed it with his postwork routine.

Quote - my postwork quickie, more of a smoothed magazine look to mine... Photoshop. Compare with your original on the right. could probably be a little darker and the brows could use some color burn, but.

I'm sold on this idea, your postwork looks beautiful.

Can you share your postwork methods? :)  some burn in there? Diffuse glow?