Since some people in this clan have started modding I'll give some tips. Always use new layers with changes to opacity and type( like: overlay, color, color dodge, etc.)
Use cool special effects such as engraving for some things.
EX:
Use brushes, they are very helpful, and make a 2-4 colored mod. Use ALL tools and effects, such as blur and levels, they are very helpful!(for example I made the picture above gold with a slight adjustment to the levels.)
Fun facts:
1. Using anything other then GIMP or Photoshop by choice means your as straight as a rainbow!
Primarily google questions/effects you have/want to do, but if it isn't there you can ask me or another PS/GIMP user. Also if your confused, but if they don't try.
This is a quick tut, I'll enlarge it later but I gtg to sleep, been getting less then my 8 hours for... 4 months?