Increasing the contrast is good when you want to use a colour wash. I sometimes desaturate the layer, increase the contrast (more than even looks good), then blend it in screen or soft light, before adding a colour layer and then blending that. It all looks hideous on route, but the finished effect is good.

I'll send you links later...I ahve 4 really good tips for brushes. Awesome brushes.

Ooh, yes please! I'm desperately looking for simple straight lines, or random cross-hatching, and also a brush that gives a film strip effect. Can't find them anywhere, so if you know of any....