Vraciu, remember that skinning is an art. You will get out of it what you put into it. If you go about it with the attitude of learning and improving, then this community will show you its support for your efforts. But to earn that respect, you can't go at it half-assed. Instead start from scratch, learn ths steps (ink layed them out pretty well) and develop your own style. Also, spend some time looking at skins in game that you particulary like, and analyse those aspects that you'd like to emulate on your own skins. You'll find that different skinners have strengths in different areas of creating effects. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and understand that any criticism shown is made with the intent of helping to improve your work.
That covers the artistic part. But there is another aspect that in my opinion is equally important. Do your research on a subject, understand the subtle details. Compile as much reference material as you can on the aircraft. Plastic model reference books are especially useful. Use that knowlege to fill in the blanks of the speciffic scheme. Lets say you wanted to skin Bf 109 that you found a picture of. Can you narrow it down the model (109G etc), or even subtype (109G-2)? The more you know, the better you can make reasonable conclusuions about the details you can't see. Try to understand the conventions regarding paint color selections and placement. Try to figure the likely paint wear and weathering patterns. You will find that most criticism you recieve will be for research errors, not for artistic faults, that is why the research is so important.
Good luck and be sure you share your progress.
