HOW do you make photo signatures or avatars?

I'd like to make a signature of my furbabies and my RB Tristan, but don't know how.

Do you need special software? or are there free sites on the web that let you make them yourself? Or can you just use typical photo editing software? ( I have Microsoft Picture IT Publishing Platinum - which i know pretty good, and Adope photoshop starter & Ulead photo express - both of which I don't know and don't like very much)

How do you get a photo that is a large amount of pixels to reduce to a smaller number so it can be used in an avatar?


How do you post a video link of your pets - is there a hosting site like the sony one for photos?


Does anyone have any recommendations on photo software that is not too expensive?

does anyone know of any tutorials on this stuff?

thanks -

Laura

Picture it is GREAT! Just fool around with it and you can eventually make some pretty cool stuff.

bump

http://www.jasc.com they have free trials :D