Programs that can be used to create this effect: Gimp, Paintshop Pro 9, PhotoShop and all other programs that support Adobe Photoshop plug-ins(you can create this effect in either program, instructions are only given for PSP & PS)...

There are some members who are asking how I did my avatar and signature, so I'm posting my first tutorial (on my Avatar) to share my experience, although I know that to some (or most), this is very basic...

Editor's Pick in Photoshop Tutorials, July 2005
Here is a great way to create compact animations exported as Flash files via ImageReady CS. (3 pages)

Start by creating a new file. Use a standard banner size 468X60 pixels. Fill the background with a dark color.
Create a big circle and fill it with a different color. Place it in such a way so that only top portion of the circle is visible, that too on the bottom of the banner.

Start by creating a new file of banner size. Insert an image of river.
Create a rectangular selection using rectangular marquee tool. Press Ctrl+Alt+D to feather the selection. Press delete.
Duplicate the layer.

Editor's Pick in Photoshop Tutorials
This tutorial in Photoshop will show you how to create a Digital Human. The author has laid down an outline to create one of the most interesting, yet simple, motion graphics I have ever seen. When you see the product you won't mind the lesso.....

A tutorial that will teach you how to add a cool animated zoom in effect!

If you have a small video clip, then it’s possible to import it into .Gif and use it in the future animated banner or cool signature.

This tutorial will show you how to incorporate video into a signature. We will cover some basic blending options to make the flow of your signature work for you. We will use adobe Imageready and adobe Photoshop for this.

Most scanline tutorials just show you the most basic of scanlines and leave you hanging, showing none of the potential scanlines have if you take the time to explore them. Not this one. I've showed you the basic, so let's go advanced. Let's get started.