Re: Ants on Parade

Another detail:
I'm open to critique here. I realize there isn't necessarily a great theme here, and if that's the problem: do tell.
I just wonder if I'm ever going to be able to make a wearable shirt without the 1/2 tones.
What stylistically would improve this particular design? Color palette? Improved line art? Any help is welcome. Really the image looks flat to me, not my 'vision' just my sketch really. The original idea is something like a North Korea military parade.
The list of artists who seem to have this all figured out is very long, but if anybody with prints or mega talent cares to comment I would be grateful for any help, if you're bored enough and time permits.
I admit I did this design super quick in a couple hours, so not a lot of effort here, but one quick question to wooters: Is the "Idea" ever superior to the overall design. Or can bad or lesser Ideas get votes with a superb design?
Still learning, using cheap software.
Thanks