I think this is probably the place to ask this.

I want to create a banner for my site, but I've never done anything like that before. I'm using a pretty basic template right now and even though I love the colors I want my own unique design.

I don't have photoshop on my pc but I do have Paint.net, Gimp and Picasa. I know Picasa is probably useless for design work but that's everything I've got.

I'd like to use some photos and text to create a logo/header design.
I'm a little familiar with Paint. Have no idea how to work with layers but I pick things up pretty quickly. I just need to be pointed in the right direction. Where would I begin?

Lots of free photo editing stuff on the net. Besides that you can usually download free tirals of various editing software. There are also online sites where you can design a logo online, although I have never found one I like.

Since you already have Paint.net and Gimp, I searched for some tutorials;

Paint.net Tutorials

Gimp logo tutorials

How to make a logo with Gimp

Corel PSP Free Trial

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli...=1196114776303

If you try the free trials, just Google something like Corel PhotoImpact X3, tutorials.

PS: Although I have a newer version of Corel PSP X1, I use an older version of PhotoImpact for my logos and banners...If you keep an eye out, you can get good deals on older software at the stores...some for under 50 bucks.

__________________
SgtMac66

Macs RevWar

Wow. Thank you so much!

I hadn't found these, and I've been too afraid of Gimp to even attempt something on it. All the Gimp tuts I'd found up to now were way over my head.

Yeah, I tried Paint.net and Gimp also, but found them to be over my head also..Like I said, their are tons of free trails out there....If you want to look further, try, Download.com, look for photo editing, then refine the search to freeware...Other places to look are SnapFiles, and Tucows

PS: That ought to keep you busy for a while! Plus you'll probably find other software, you will want to play with, lol! Happy Huntin!

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SgtMac66

Macs RevWar