Well, at this point, I'm using my own technique. Most graphic artists use the mask and quick mask tool to erase backgrounds, but, I've found that I prefer to use the magnetic lasso tool to trace the edges and then I go back in for detailing with a small soft brush in masking mode to erase parts I missed with the lasso or to add stuff back in that I accidentally erased.
I tried following a few tutorials, but all they did was confuse me like crazy, so, right now, I take a mixture of what I learned in tutorials and add my own blending options, color balance and curves layers and adjustment layers and brushes to create digital artwork. I think my main problem is that I'm overly critical of my own work and always have been. Hence, I only have one print submitted to DA at the moment. I have one more that I'd like to submit, but I need to get a model release first, so, blah blah blah.
I never realized that making digital artwork for profit was such a hassle. But, then, because I use the same models fairly often and simply change their features or their hair to give them a different look, once I get the primary releases filled out it shouldn't be all that difficult.
And, if anyone feels the urge to support a starving artist, visit my DA account and buy a mug or something. Hehe.
-Kim
Edit: Silly me. I started rambling about my technique and forgot to show you guys my most recent manip. It's based on snow white. Nieve Blanco. In spanish, it means "Snow White." heh. Anyway, stock credit at my DA account and because I haven't posted the link in a while:
http://perilous-dreamer.deviantart.com And for the record, if you do visit my account to see the larger version, be sure to full view my artwork. You miss fine details in the small version.
(Once upon a time in mid winter, when the snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven, a beautiful queen sat sewing at her window, which had a frame of black ebony wood. As she sewed, she looked up at the snow and pricked her finger with her needle. Three drops of blood fell into the snow. The red on the white looked so beautiful, that she thought, "If only I had a child as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as this frame." Soon afterward she had a little daughter that was as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as ebony wood...)