I just wanted to take a few minutes to point out (and thank) a few skinners who I think are the best at what they do, have enriched my life, helped me improve my skills, and are just all around great people. In no special order....
I. R. Brainiac : You inspire me. When I first discovered Windowblinds, I was (and still am) in awe of yor creativity and skill. You have the creative imagination that I aspire to, and the skill to pull off the most 'out there' skins. I want to be like you.
2of3: You help me more than anyone. You are really more like a brother to me than a friend. I appreciate your honesty when critiquing my skins, your attention to small details has made me a better skinner. Your friendship means a lot to me. Even though our styles are very different, I have learned a lot from you.
vStyler: Your skins are simply amazing. I admire the perfection of them and the subtle ways you enhance them. You have taught me a few things that have helped to improve my skills, and I aspire to have that perfection in mine.
Skinhit: In my book, you are the best icon skinner on the planet. You have a unique style that I can pick out of any gallery at a glance. One day, I hope that people can see a skin and say "Xiandi must have made that one." before they even look at the author. I hope that someday you'll be able to get back into it. I miss you.
theAVMAN : Time after time, you come up with some of the most original ideas. Sometimes I just sit there and stare at something you made because it's so cool looking. You have the 'wow' factor in your work, and I admire that.
Murex: You may not even realize it but I have learned so much from you. Just by picking apart your crazy PSDs, I have acquired skills and techniques I didn't think I could ever do, until I saw them in your work. You have helped me out countless times and you are very much appreciated. You are a true friend.
RedneckDude: You are a DX skinning machine! You have made countless skins that match Windowblinds, and I think that is a niche that needs to be filled, but I think that your original works are the best. You are a great friend to have, and have helped me out in so many ways, so many times, that I would not even be able to list them all. You're the best.
CarGuy: Your Dreams are simply amazing. Although I don't plan on learning how to make them (who knows what the future holds) I think you are the best at what you do, and you deserve a spot in this short list. You have an eye for beautiful things and the talent to make it happen. Most of the dreams that I have are made by you.
Philly: I know you don't consider yourself a skinner, but you deserve a place on this list too. You are a perfect example of what a great community member should be. You have an eye for complimentary skins and your choices for additions to a Suite are always spot on. You have a positive attitude and it makes WC a better place because you are in it.
--------------
I know I have missed some people...if I named all of you, this would be a huge post, lol. Feel free to post who your skinning heroes are.