[jecrt]

couldn't use just make a cobblestone pattern fill, fill a box and then use the custom envelope/mesh feature to get the perspective? I think that'd do it.

I think you might get a more realistic feeling of space if you have the the color darken (slightly) as it recedes. I'd also bump the blues/cyans A LOT - especially if you're going to have a giraffe as part of the focus - it'll really make the gold/yellow pop a lot stronger. ou could also consider replacing some of the grays with purples...I know you're still working on color, but you'd be surprised how much depth/perspective you can get (and how much it can help in the rendering part) from color alone. just some thoughts. It looks good - can't wait to see the finished piece!