Basically you can make any image you want be an avatar as long as it's final size is 125x125 pixels or less and the file size under 19.5 K. Somefolks have bought avatar "chicks" from Clara (creativewitch) or Dawn (hunibuni) and dress them up and put them in scenes. Momy4him and Pamsav's posts above have avatar chicks.

Personally I like to create my avatars from pictures. I just open PSE and create a small document (usually 500 x 500 pixels at 72 dpi) and pictures, elements, text, whatever strikes my fancy. Then I "save for the web" and get the image down to 125x125 and under 19.5K.

To upload an avatar click on Quick Links>Edit Avatar. Then browse to where you saved your image on your computer. Select the file. And finally click Save changes. You should be able to see your new avatar after this.

HTH and please post or PM me if you need more help!

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Stacy
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avatar photo by Marja Flick-Buijs downloaded at sxc.hu