Making Avatars

[db_geek]

So I've made only one crappy avatar for Deviant Art and its such shitty quality. Just trying to make the right proportions, and file size really messed me up. Now, I just want to make one that'll look decent, and that you can actually tell a little bit more of what it is. I just need some tips on that.

So if anyone of the esteemed internet community *vomits on floor*, can help me with this, I'd appreciate it.