Does anyone have a lead on on great tutorial to make a pic look like a pencil sketch? I tried all the gmic filters but the results aren't very good...perhaps I just don't know how to use the settings. Also, is there any particular tut around here that shows how to make lettering look like it's coming out of the picture? I am sure I have run across both these instructions before but just can't seem to find them now.

well the gmic pencil filter is one of my favorite for that

I even hacked it in a couple of my gmic filter (1 should be called something as steampunk pencil, but i quote by memory, name may be slightly different) to eliminate a kind of pattern visible in the area where was not details in the original, pattern that is not bad, but being always the same may get boring

Also Eddy Verlain "PhotoEffect" contains several interesting sketch and pencil effect, alas is a script fu and so can't be used well because offer no preview
But the process it automatizes if used manually may be rewarding

I would have to run through it again to do a tutorial, but is this the kind of thing you're looking for?

Pretty much that Erisian...but with less detail and maybe more of a flat coloring...almost like a pencil sketch that has been tinted with just a few basic colors...sort of an art-deco look.

I'll see what I can come up with.

There's some good stuff on Youtube. Maybe this will help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIbYPP8afz8

Very close, thanks for the link!!! I just have to get rid of some of the details to get the art deco look!!! Great find.