Well, if you do want a nice warm welcome, how 'bout a tall glass of cold milk and a plate of chocolate-chip cookies? Over there on the mantelpiece by the fireplace in the lounge.-------> :D

Yup, sometimes it does seems sinfully easy to make wonderful pics. Well, get used to it! LOL
Next level? hum.... Well, some folks like to tinker in the belly of the beast, poking and prodding at the numbers and formulas that make the fractal programs work. (I, for one, can't handle the math, so I am eternally in the debt of those who can.)
Then there are those that just keep nosing into the program of choice, to make it stand up and dance and sing. They become experts in the more esoteric functions.
Others use post-production techniques, to enhance or combine a fractal with other items. Photoshop/Paintbox filters, 3d renders, etc. That'll depend on your own outlook and approach on the 'purity' issue. But around here, we love all aspects/uses of fractal art, so feel free to show off your stuff.

Check the archives here in the forum, for messages about tutorials and suggestions. There's a lot of info that's been compiled to help newcomers to the fractal world.

RosemaryR
---------------------------
"This...this is magnificent!"
"Oh, yeah. Ooooo. Aaaaah. That's how it starts.
Then, later, there's ...running. And....screaming."