Aside of being real-time itself? It's super fast I don't know why, even in my potato powered computer as you can see there. Volumetric and bloom effects are way easier, the latter you could make literally in a click of a button (but yes, you'll want to adjust things from there). So yeah, being real-time is easier for texturing and lighting .-.
My so-called 'research' is usually observing other people's fabulous artworks, then do more searching to figure out the tips and tricks to achieve certain looks from their artworks. But... I keep forgetting the good topoflow for the face! XD I think I need to do it like you a bit more. Also, by sister did you mean Darqx?
I'm sure you know who it is, Ry. I'm sure everyone knows who it is, or at least have seen him before but don't know his name. XD You not recognizing who that is probably means the artist isn't good enough :<