Digital Illustration: Attempt #1

I must admit that my love for doing detailed drawings outweighs most other artistic/graphic endeavours. However, I'm attempting to put that aside, quit focusing on drawing every little fine detail-and focus on becoming a better digital illustrator. I usually try and create as much of my illustration by hand as possible, and I think this stems from my lack of knowledge on how to achieve a specific look or style in photoshop. So, I am henceforth going to try and step away from my old school foolish self and work on enhancing my digital skills. I believe that once I can bridge the best of both worlds-the physical and the digital-I can create something marvelous and interesting.

Sooooo.............
Following a tutorial in Computer Arts Projects magazine's November Issue, I attempted to create an illustration starting with an inked cartoonish drawing. After scanning my drawing in, I added color, texture, light and shadows in photoshop. The first image shows a few of the steps of my process. The second image is where I'm at so far. I don't feel as though this composition is done, but it's a start. I'll probably move on and work on another one because at this point, I'm sortof tired of staring at that goofy-faced dancer standing in the clouds...

Personal Observations:
1. Perhaps I could push the textures a bit further?
2. Varying the weights of the black lines of the base drawing might add beneficial contrast?
3. Add some more prominent typography?
4. Mix elements of realism into the composition?
5. Create a more direct narrative?

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, advice?