Okay, so since TF always seems to mystified by design and the like I'll break it down for you guys here.

These are the rules I've cobbled together through experience, and they may change through my life, but it's what works for me now.

Rule number one of ANY design you do, be it avatar, signature or web layout.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

So you have a message you want to get across? Make it clear, make it simple and for crying out loud make it legible. Don't use a fancy font when a simple one will suffice.

Rule number 2

Get a theme. A colour scheme, a font you use throughout the design etc. This way your design looks much better and more organised. If you want, look into colour theory online, or just choose your favourite colour. Whatever. Just don't crowd things or confuse the eye.

Now, if anyone has Photoshop I can try doing basic tutorials or point you to a good one. Espcially on layers.