Yea, alpha channels rule.

All the same, large adjustments to saturation and contrast, particularly when starting from low saturation/contrast images, especially when the source is lossy compressed, can produce some nasty gremlins, but your managed a pretty clean result.

The specific mention of ethical approach was no more overlooked than it was unappreciated. I've noticed the problem behaviour here on steemit.

It's my hope that a better, more ethical, more collaborative form of conduct will rise by popular vote, thus promoting and encouraging those ideologies. And for those of a more philistine persuasion, demonstrate by reward and recognition that it is not only more favourable but it pays better too.

Thanks for initiating the collaboration, for creating this thread to share the process, and for engaging in the discussion on ethics. Now we just need as many people to see this as possible, and continue to support and promote collaboration and ethics.