Nausicaa meets Jedi Temple - Process

Something fun I did while trying to show my go-to workflow when it comes to a shot like this. Usually I find one photograph on Google that inspires some kind of design in my head. Then I build a very simple 3D model or photobash together a general shape. Rest of it is massaging all the elements together using my current knowledge and taste.

One trick that I do (taught to me by Joseph Cross) is to have a threshold layer on top with values adjusted to give you the best graphical representation of your painting. It doesn't work for all lighting scenario, but when it does, it makes balancing flow and shape manageable.

I hope this helps!