How(Or what tool) to make a high-quality avatar?

[hdd3go]

Hi guys, I'm wondering how to make a high-quality avatar. Usually I use Previewer of the OS X that however, will make the image to a low-quality with few KB size.

So usually what tool are you use to make a good avatar?

PS: Please move this topic to right section if I'm wrong. Thank you.

[--Encrypted--]

GIMP. at least that's what I always used. got around 34kb or so for my current one. but I tried downloaded it from btctalk just now and it got scaled down to 14kb. wait no, the downloaded one is 34kb.

maybe this belongs in off-topic. but I'm not sure either.

[mexicantarget]

I always use Photoshop for anything GFX related. It takes some time to master it, but when you do, oh boy!

If you want real HQ images, you should try Adobe Illustrator (AI). It's the perfect tool for professional design.

[cr7]

Photoshop or gimp are the best for OS and Windows, but may be overkill depending on your needs.

For compression anything is OK, even window's paint will do the job right. Just do whatever you want in the photoshop then resize(or whatever equivalent in your OS)