I have found an avatar that I would like to use. I reduced the size of the graphic to 50%, so that it approximates the size of the avatars now being used. However, when I try to upload the image I get a message that it exceeds the 80 x 80 pixel size. It is not animated and seems rather simple. Any suggestions?

Ratty

If you have something like Adobe Photoshop or paintshop pro try the resizing option and resize by pixels.
Here's a write-up using PSP

Creating Avatars in PSP
Want to know how to make your own cooley looking avatar? Here's how!

1. Select and Resize Your Basic Avatar

- Find an image with a character or something you like. (I'm providing you with a test example (click on the image of "Radical Edward" for the link) from a background I liked. I cut the original image down - but left enough that you'll have to go through the same steps as I will.) There are other methods than what I will tell you - but this one is simple.

- The picture is a bit dark. Ed should stand out more than that - she's got a bright personality. Go to Colors->Adjust->Brightness/Contrast. Make the Brightness 20 and the Contrast 30.
- Trim your image to be about the right shape. (Our goal here will be a 60x60 avatar.) (Picture linked so you can compare if you like)
- Resize your image so at least 1 dimension is the final size you want (for the "Ed" image, go to Image->Resize. Make sure "Maintain Aspect Ratio" and "Resize All Layers" are selected (at the bottom). Select Pixel Size and type in "60" for the height. The width will automatically change.
- Sharpen the image (it's a bit fuzzy). Effects->Sharpen->Sharpen.
- Set the final dimensions (we'll cut the edges off this one). Image->Canvas Size. Type 60x60 in for the dimensions. Be sure that "Center Image Horizontally" and "Center Image Vertically" are checked.
- I want to get rid of the yellow on the edge. So I'll use the pain tool, size 2 (Zoom in a couple times on the picture), and fill in those yellow lines with black. (I'll have to change brush size to 1 for part of it.) Now this isn't a bad avatar at all - but there's more we can do to it.

2. Create and Add a Template for Your Avatar

** I need to give credit to Templates Resource for the ideas and basic how to behind the creation and use of a template for a nifty transparent gif avatar . I just added a different method in parts - so I'm including it here. **

- You may want to use your template for more than 1 avatar, so lets create a new image. Type CRTL-N for a new image and type 60 in for each of the dimensions. Make sure that "Background Color" is set to Transparent. Click "Ok." and zoom in several times on your new image.

- Lets turn on a grid so it's easy to see where we're at in the image. Click View->Grid. Then View->Change Grid and Guide Properties. Under Grids make sure that Units are in Pixels and Horizontal and Vertical Spacing are 2 (this is enough to be able to tell where you are exactly).


- Now lets draw. Click on the Paint Brush button . Set the tool properties to Size 1, Opacity and Density to 100%. Choose your drawing color to be black. Start drawing your image. (I like drawing circuit board shapes - so I ran to get some old circuit boards from our hoard for examples.) Leave room for a face to show through the template you are drawing. (Here's the one I drew. I also left room at the top for a name.) Save your image as a PSP file or a gif.

- Create a duplicate layer of the avatar image. (Go to your layer tool right click on the layer and choose duplicate.) Then hide the original layer. (This will help us get the transparent effect later).

- Let's paste the image on to our avatar. Type: CTRL-A and copy the template. Go to your avatar window, and type CTRL-L (paste as a new layer). Make sure that your new layer is the active/selected layer. Then type CTRL-A to select all of the template layer. Click on the "Magic Wand" tool and click on a black pixel in the template.


- Now select the avatar layer (while the template areas are still selected) and hit the delete button (this will delete the template areas in the avatar). Unselect the selected area and hide the template layer. Wa-lah - a much better avatar! Save it as a gif (for the transparent effect).

3. Add Text to Your Avatar
- Next we'll add a white semi transparent text box with text. It's easier to deal with vectors for shapes and text. So add a new vector layer on top of the other layers, right click on your top layer and choose New Vector Layer.


- Select the Shapes Tool. In the Shapes Tool options, choose Rectangle and Size 1 and the plain line style. Make sure that Antialias and Create As Vector are checked. I will be choosing a white outline and a light cyan fill color. Then draw your rectangle, and resize or move the rectangle as needed.


- I prefer a semi-transparent name box - so go to the layers tool and make sure the tab with the page and glasses (the Appearance Tab) is on top. Then move the slider over - oh let's say to 72%.


- Finally! The last step, add the text. Click on the text tool (the "A" button). DO NOT click on the newly created text box (where you yet the cursor with the A and the semicircle) - this makes your text shaped like the vector you selected. Not helpful here. Click outside your text box (to create a NEW vector). You will probably have to use a small size font (size 6-7) and use capital letters (for readability). Then move your text over to the box. Now SAVE!!!!