PMM - The Magazine

• Open Gimp
• Bring up a picture that has already been given a transparent background (gimp'd)
• click on filters from the top bar
• alpha to logo
• glowing hot
• pick the color you want the new background to be (choose a color that is not in your outfit but will be part of the hot glow coloring)
• play with the effext size until you reach the desired outline
• click ok
• save this as a new picture (you can simply add a number to the end of the original file name)
• close out the window with the new hot glow
• press ctrl + o to search your files again
• open your new picture (i know this seems like an unnecessary step, but otherwise, you will not be able to take out the background color giving the hot glow a transparent background)
• click somewhere inside your background
• your figure now has a dotted outline around it
• press ctrl + x to delete the background
• save this (you can save as a new pic, or replace the one you just gave a transparent background)
• Close gimp
• Open photoscape
• Find the pictures you just saved
• open the hot glow picture first
• click the object tab
• click the picture icon
• choose photo
• locate once again, your pictures and choose the original transparent background picture
• you should now see your avatar with a hot glow around it
• save this as a new picture and you're good to go

A great way to get your name out there is by joining as many groups and entering as many contests as you can.  Plus, making the contest entries is a great way to get practice for when you get a job and can offer to do the catalog page.  "Practice makes perfect!"  There are many FREE programs out their to utilize and most have tutorial groups in IMVU or on the web to guide you along.  Even check you tube if you learn better by hearing the instructions.  Also, it never hurts to ask.  Build good relationships and they will turn out to be your best friends.

 FREE PROGRAMS

GIMP

PHOTOSCAPE

PICASA

PAINT.NET

AUTOSTITCH