I know what you mean. I lack the talent too, right now. But I've had a look around at what the people are doing and I see a ton of inspiration from the skill of others.
Hmm. That does sound hard. Do they actually swap positions, or just move back and forth?
Perhaps you could map each individual island on its own.
That looks like a good way to show floating islands. Did you do that with a 3D package, and pick the right angle, or do it all with perspective (and a mark one eyeball)?