Tutorial #1

using psp8. can translate.

going from:
to

sharpened several times.
new raster layer.
fill with #0B1231.
set to multiply, 20%.

new raster layer.
fill with #0B1231.
set to exclusion, 100%.

duplicate background.
bring to top.
set to soft light, 100%.

duplicate background.
desaturate (for psp users, Shift-H)
set to hard light, 100%.

merge all layers.

adjust> brightness/contrast> automatic contrast enhancement.
change settings like this:

now, using the soften tool at 100%, smooth out her skin.
then, use the dode tool on 50% around the white of her eye.
using the burn tool at 50%, go around her eyes lightly to give the effect of eyeliner.

create a new layer.
using the paint brush change the hardness to 50, and opacity to 100%.
using the colour #FB4D8F, paint over her lips and set the layer to soft light, 100%.

create a new layer.
using the paint brush change the hardness to 50, and opacity to 100%.
using the colour #569CFA, paint over her eyes and set the layer to overlay, 100%.

merge all layers.

duplicate the background, desaturate (Shift-H) and set to soft light, 100%.

paste as new layers (made by me):

multiply, 100%
saturation (L), 100%

your icon should now look like this:

i then used the following brush by: ? (let me know so i can credit) in white, and painted it on.
(showed on a white background so you can create as a brush)

i then used the following brush by: ? (let me know so i can credit) in black, and painted it on in the corner.
(showed on a white background so you can create as a brush)

for the final touch, i wrote GEMMA in font Georgia.
black.
caps locks.
size 6.
auto kerning on 300.

your icon should now look like this: