EIEIO, it is the GIMP/Inkscape process that I am using. I keep in mind what DonR & Mahendra taught me in that keep it simple and sometimes less is better. With the hair I eliminated approximately 20% to 25% of what the process gave me. The 20% that I eliminated would be classed as junk markings. In determining what is junk and what's not, I try to determine what the person who is looking at it, visualizes without it being there. Though the pattern may not depict certain things, the human mind visualizes it even though it's not there. That's because we know it should be there. Two other things that I'm starting to realize is always use spiral blades when doing a portrait. It seems to help to keep a smooth flow instead of being choppy. And when used to them, they're a dream to use. Secondly, use a Bamboo Tablet when creating the pattern. Soooooo much easier than using a mouse. Though I've now only done 5 portraits and still consider myself a rookie greenhorn, these are the things that I've experienced so far. I hope I've answered your question.
Mike - BTW, thank you for your comments.
