I always seem to default to koi fish and lily pads when I'm out of inspiration (aka forcing myself to design more). One of my students from last semester did a really cool white outlined dragon on top of a photo, and I couldn't get it out of my head. 
Still doesn't feel 100% complete, but it'll do for now.
Outlined: Koi
Published:

Outlined: Koi

Mixing Illustrator and photo.

Published: