Metropolis steps

Questions!! Oh yeah got a lot of those!! XD
First Hi!! How are ya!!

So I'm a Graphic Artist just like you.. but.. quite not the same at all
I'm more of a photo montage artist (Although I haven't done much personal art recently)
But I've ALWAYS wanted to learn a few things about photoshop painting (Like you do)
The thing is I never learned the steps to do so.. But I do guess what it might be.
So you start with a drawing?? (Hand made or not I guess??)
And than you ruffly make a sketch in photoshop (Like the first picture)
And then you add the details??
Do you use brushes and textures??
And for all of your other works also, do you only use Photoshop or do you use other programs??

I would love to get you're imput on some advices!!
Hope I won't be taking too much of your time!!

And I'm a fan of your stuff!! XD