For the "melty thingy" I used Alien Skin Eye Candy 4000's fantastic "drip" filter. If you've ever used Eye Candy, this filter set is similar to its' earlier versions, but only as much as Arnold Schwartzeneggar is similar to little baby Arnold. It's bigger, richer, and has a ton more muscle. As for the rest of the image's overall look, two words: "Wacom Graphire" I tend to work on my images in a medium size, about 3000x3000 pixels, which allows me to zoom in real close for hand drawing detail...close enough that the screw-ups aren't too noticeable ;) I also try to get by with MUCH less than the 16 million colors that most folks like to use. Skygirl, thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you judge my work on a case-by-case basis. You can never tell if I'm going to post a lovely scene of two ponies cavorting in a field, or a clown pulling frenchmen out of a gruesome surgical incision. I like it that way. Keeps folks guessing, and keeps me from falling into a rut.