How to Make Avatars

[Jimmy_Bravo]

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?

[EXCESS]

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

[Jimmy_Bravo]

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,

[skid]

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,

[Jimmy_Bravo]

Thanks alot Skid.

[Jamisun]

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.