I'm going to be starting a series of tutorials to help other people learn to make sigs and avatars. This one will be for Photoshop(I have Photoshop CS) but I can do ones for Paint Shop Pro or another program if someone requests it. I've learned to use a good bit of the image programs.

Pt. 1-Just a basic icon.

To start you'll need to be familiar with Layers tool panel.

To see if its activated, at the top click on Window->Layers or press F7. It should be in the right hand corner of your screen.

Now open the base you want to work with(Using Ctrl-O for an already saved picture or Ctrl-N for a new image and then paste in whatever picture your going to use). I'll be using one I pasted in.

The starter image:


Your first step will be to adjuct the Brightness/Contrast. Use the sliders to adjust till your happy with the color.
Where to find the brightness contrast tool!


My result:

Next apply a gradient layer located here .
Click Gradient.
Select the gradient you like by clicking on the arrow to see more

and then selecting the one you want.
Click OK.

On the Layer tool panel

select a lighting type for this gradient layer. I'm using Vivid Light. Select the type
here.

Change the opacity till your happy with the result. The lower the number the less you'll see the color.


My result:


You can add another gradient with a different lighting type for a unique effect or continue on.

Next add a new layer here.

Using your brush tools found here

(there are more brushes it comes with plus plenty of downloadable ones. Try Google)


Use different brushes to create the desired effect.
Now you have a finished icon. The same thing can be done for a siggy sized picture.
My finished icon!

thanks so much that was good info very sweet must try

Where do you download this photoshop thing?

you have to buy it unless you find another means of getting it

I wanted someone to make a Semma banner for me, but when you do make it how do you get it in your signature?

do you know how to make animated oneS?