How to Make Avatars

Okay, I have several pictures that I would like to use as avatars. I know they have to be within 150 x 150 pixels, and under 20,000 bites in size. The problem is, my pictures are too big. So what I do is go into a bitmap, and edit the picture with paint. I shrink it to 150 x 150 or even smaller, but then the bite size skyrockets up. A picture that is normally 8000 bites, turns into 80,000 after I shrink it. Also, I tried just putting a black dot on a 120 x120 white background. This used up 25,000 bites! Why is this? Anyone? How do I shrink down my pictures to make them the proper pixels, and bites?

Attach the picture you want to use in a post. I'm sure someone will be willing to resize it for you.

Would someone please resize this image for me to use as an avatar? Also, could you please explain how you did it so I can do my own pictures in the future?
Thanks,

first problem is you're using "Paint" ... it doesn't let you to do much ... I suggest Photoshop Elements, I think it's about $40, and gives you the all the basics

I simply shrank your picture using Image -> Image Size, saved it, and used a photo optimizer (Ulead Smart Saver - another EXCELLENT program) to get the file size under 20K

that said,

Thanks alot Skid.

go to zdnet, search for jpeg editing or bmp editing. I have a program called quick epics. Got it off zdnet for free, trial. Got the serial online and there you go. Just the trial will be enough to resize a pic for your avatar.