Just thought I would throw out this update.
I've been working on doing art for an upcoming card game by Rob Couch (designer of the board game Saloon Tycoon).
Here is the original sketch:
Here is the final box art--the logo will probably be moved around some and some final tweaks will be made I'm sure. This will be a "tuck box" so this image will actually wrap around the sides of the box.
It's a light, trick-taking press your luck card game for 3 - 5 players. Hopefully out soon-ish (the art is all done anyway).
I really tried to mimic traditional children's books--rather than the "digital" look. I feel like I was fairly successful in that regard.
My main tool was the PS mixer brush. I used it exclusively for about 90% of this.
The interesting thing was how it simultaneously saved time and created "happy accidents" while also greatly increasing the time it took to get some elements right.
For example: I often found myself painting a tentacle and in just a few flourishes I was able to achieve exactly what I was wanting. At other times, I'd re-paint the same area over and over because the brush load or wetness or whatever was just making a total mess of things.
Anyway, if you've never tried the mixer brush setting I'd recommend it. (I should also say that the actual brush I used was a "chalky" brush from a set I got from the artist "Tamplier" and then I put in on the mixer brush setting).