??????

[Passionfruition]

Originally Posted by troubletb

But how do you guys do it?? Is it a special program you have on your computer?? Or this there some website that will show you how to make them??

I use Adobe Photoshop and ImageReady CS - the best grahics program out there, which is the one that all the professionals use. I don't think that if I studied for YEARS that I could ever learn everything that program has to offer.

For the animation, I use solely ImageReady CS and to be honest I don't think it's all that hard. It's a complicated process that once you memorize, it's the same every time. Kinda like making a movie. Every movie is different but the process is the same. My animations have frames, every time you see a movement in your avatar it's a different frame. Some avatars on here have taken me over an hour! It all depends on how many characters I use for the name and how many pictures it takes to reach the set YT byte (graphics) limit.

Now I'm making it sound more complicated than it is. I love learning, though....and it's rewarding to me to see everyone enjoying their avatar so much, for me knowing I made it and help people enjoy YT as much as I do. I think we all enjoy showing off our babies and if we have a fun avatar, it's a way to show off our baby in every single post we make on here, and that's sooo neat.

I found a decent tutorial on how to make small animations, if you have the program and would like to learn. Feel free to PM me.

[red98vett]

To add to this for beginners ..there's a program called ULEAD Gif Animator - it has a free download trial - and in using that - you can get basics to learn how to animate - that's how I learned -

then I moved to Photoshop Elements 2 - and next...I'm going to tackle Photoshop 6 which HAS Image Ready that Val talked about.

you DO have to know how to crop and edit pictures before you even start with the avatars ...because you want as much detail to show in the 75 pixel width of the picture (about 1")

[Bella0722]

Thanks Val & Villette for those beginning starter lessons. I am a computer KLUTZ!

I think I'll let you gals help me with my avatar. Now, that I have a new camera(hopefully I can work it and load it on the laptop), all I need is to take some pictures of General Patton. How many pics will I need?

[Passionfruition]

Allright, allright, lol after all the drama, the "long-awaited" avatar has been posted, LOL! It's in the Fun and Toys avatar thread, should be the last one as of now, but not for long b/c I think I'm going to try to get another one done tonight. I doubt I can outdo myself...that one turned out really cute I think!!!!

[lily's mom]

Great job Val!!! That is adorable!!!!

[Bella0722]

The General sends his salute for a great avatar. Now, if only his mommy would hurry up and take pics. Maybe I can get in line for one too.

Great job Val!

[Passionfruition]

Originally Posted by Bella0722

The General sends his salute for a great avatar. Now, if only his mommy would hurry up and take pics. Maybe I can get in line for one too.

Great job Val!

Hehe! General M. Sullivan sends General Patton his salute right back atcha!

I think maybe I could find some military insignias and put them on his avatar...how cute would that be, right?

[Bella0722]

That would be great General! I'll see if my mommy can get some pics of myself soon.

[apaprikao]

Oh, I want a Marine Corps one on mine. She is a military brat anyway.