I don't look at icon posts very much because my vision has gotten a lot worse.

And with these bifocals I'm getting ready to swear off icons altogether; I feels ya, sweetie. I've got some posters ready to show off *wicked chuckle*

Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback (and I know you're not "just saying that", which I appreciate. But you are a nice person anyway, you know. *hug*) I'm keeping your wisdom about not taking awards seriously in mind because, oh gosh I am starting to get pouty and cranky and insecure again, and "what did I not do? Are they not good?" feelings popping up. Must ignore aforesaid feelings and remember how I felt when I submitted them.

What new program are you using?

Still ipiccy, actually. I've just learned a lot about techniques with every round, and by working on (playing with) larger posters in between. I think a big difference is that I've started to get a handle on blends, on ayers and textures, masking etc; and I was very consciously trying to achieve lighter, brighter effects this time around because I noticed that was a feature of a lot of past winners the last three rounds. (Then this round darker and grittier/less focused is the overall look and I'm like, what the heck?)

My sweetie bought PS Elements 12 but I didn't want to switch gears and dig into it until after this round was finished.