Lost Art Resources

Avatar tutorial

• Open your program of choice
• Open the image you want to create the avatar from
• Select the crop tool (usually indicated by a symbol that looks like crosshairs) and crop the image to the area you want to use in your avatar
• Click on the image menu. (this might be called something different depending on what program you are using) Select resize image. You will need to resize the image to 100 x 100 pixels. Try to keep the aspect ratio the same or your image may come out looking strangely stretched or compressed.
• Once your image is the right size make any changes to the brightness, contrast, clarity, sharpness that are needed. You can also add a variety of effects.
• To add text select the text tool. (Usually indicated by an uppercase letter A) Choose your font, text color, and text size. The options for font and text size are usually in a task bar at the top of the screen.  The color can be changed by clicking on the color swatch usually shown at the right of the screen. (There may be an option on the task bar as well.) To add the actual text click on the part of the image where you want to put it and start typing. In most programs you can see the letters appear on the image as you type them. I  would advise you not to put the text on first and then resize the image. I learned the hard way that doing it that way can render the text unreadable when the image is resized to avatar dimensions.
• When you are satisfied with your avatar save it as either a JPG  a PNG or a GIF image. JPGs have the smallest file sizes and best image quality. GIFs are necessary for making animations.
• To make an animated avatar you will need a program like Jasc animation shop or Ulead GIF animator. There are also free programs you can use to make simple animations.
• To make banners you follow the same procedure as for an avatar except the image size is different. Standard banner size on most forums is 100 x 400.