I'm not certain if this is the correct forum or not, but here goes.

I only recently got back into using Photoshop (having lost my copy, I only recently re-gained access with the acquiring of my writing tablet), and apart from being a little rusty, I was never that brilliant with it to begin. Now, the sort of help I'm looking for is not technical; I don't have a software problem. I'm looking for the experience of those who have enjoyed years of use of the program.

The thing that is at me the most right now is that I am having a problem with my images, a difficulty with getting them to look more realistic and less, for lack of a better word, cartoony. I can't seem to get past the look and feel of a skillfully done sketch covered in finger-paint. I asked an experienced fellow from a different website, and he suggested the use of custom brushes, supplying me with a few of his own. While I consider this a good suggested, I don't feel as though it is enough . . . so if any of you folk here can offer suggestions as to how to better shade and colour my creations, I would be very grateful.

Again, I apologize if this is the incorrect forum for this particular sort of query.