What is this section all about?
More and more people are realising that creating avatars, and any other types of graphics, can be not only fun, but a great way to meet new people, and learn new skills whilst doing so.

Avatars are common place among those who chat in HTML chat sites, such as Chatropolis.com. Many of us who wear them, enjoy having a variety to choose from, and these days, learning to make them has become so much easier, and more and more people are taking the initiative and learning to make avatars for themselves.

This section was included to allow those of you who are interested in graphics and avatars, to learn to make your own.

What are the benefits of learning to make my own avatars?
There are many, too many to list. But a good example is, that you can make your own avatars, how you want them, using images and styles you prefer. Another is so that you can create avatars and graphics for your friends.

The graphics community is overwhealming, and continually growing. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, and meet like-minded people. Many continue on to create their own avatar sites, and then pass on their knowledge base to others.

What if I dont fit in as an avatar designer?
Impossible! One of the amazing thing about avatars, is that no matter your background, or where you come from, what you like etc. You will always share the common bond of graphics design with those you meet through this medium. Regardless of backgrounds, you will have the opportunity to meet and get to know a wide variety of people, and surprisingly, you will find that where you come from etc, does not matter.

AbD contains a wide variety of people, and this will continue to grow. You will find yourself bonding with types of people you never imagined possible. Because regardless of where we come from, at the end of the day, we're just ordinary people, who have fun with graphics, and great friendships can be shaped and nurtured through the simple pleasure of graphics design.

What types of tutorials does this section include?
Initially, the tutorials will be based on Paint Shop Pro (PSP). This is one of the most commonly used graphics design softwares, and is one of the cheapest to aquire. In time, tutorials will be included relating to Photoshop (PS), which is the preferred software used by professional graphics designers, and is more complex than PSP. Also, through time, there will be tutorials included relating to web design.

Does it cost anything to do these lessons?
No, these lessons are free. However, if you wish to make a donation to Avatars by Design, to keep it a free site, then feel free to check out the "Support Abd" link on the main menu area. All donations toward hosting costs are welcome and appreciated.

Ok, I'm ready to begin, where do I start?
At this stage, you have two options. You can continue on here, and look at the tutorials included in this section. (on the menu to your left), or you can join the Avatar Apprentice Program, and be provided with assistance though your learning experience.

What is the Avatar Apprentice Program?
The AbD Apprentice Program is one of the best graphics learning programs available in this community. It contains a structured learning program, and also offers one-on-one assistance in the early stages so that if you have any problems, there is always support there, to help you along the way. There is also continued support within the apprentice program community for those taking part at all levels.

For a comprehensive introduction to what the program does, please click on the relevant link to your left - Apprentice Program.

Do I have to sign up for the Apprentice Program?
No, not at all. The apprentice program is completely voluntary. Those wishing to participate are welcome, but it is not essential in order to access the tutorials.

The core tutorials are available in the tutorials section here on the main site, (on your menu to the left), as well as on the Apprentice Forum. However, there are many many more additional tutorials on the forum. To check these out, go to the Apprentice Forum, and log in to view them.

What happens if I have more questions regarding this, before deciding to sign up?
If you have any problems, or wish to ask more questions before you make your final decission, then feel free to contact us using the relevant email links provided in the "Contact" section on the main menu area of this site. If you are unsure how to get there, simply click "Home" at the top of the menu on the left of this page.