I basically edit wolf smilies. I've also made some very tiny smilies.
I use Paint and Animation Shop 3. (For lack of having any other programs and MS paint I love, and Animation Shop 3 is easy to use, I have no idea what new features are on others).
Some examples of modifications I did: (Some are modified off Figs)
Okay for the beer wolf, I stole the beer emoticon off MSN and added it there. The duckie shape shift was Fig's duckie toss wolf, and I made it transform into a duckie using colour changes in the fur and outline and shape changes. It could be smoother but hey I'm not too practiced at shifts yet! The others again are just additions and colour changes. The Kirk ones and the Les Claypool were difficult as I had to add hair, as were the Anthony Brownrigg werewolves.
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/49885140/ (This is a Les Claypool werewolf)
This Anthony Brownrigg one took a long time because I had to modify the changing wolf and make it look a bit more like him, and his 'werewolf form's' colouring. It didn't quite work out. Eh.
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I didn't get any help learning, but viewing Fig's and other animations when you can see all the frames (if they are animated) and see HOW the gradual change is taking place. Using Animation Shop or whatever program is a good idea.
As for adding features, simply use MS paint or something. It's a matter of drawing it on.
A really good idea is to make the faces symmetrical. You can do this on MS paint by drawing say, half the hair, then copying that part of the emoticon and going to 'Image' then 'Flip/Rotate' and then click Ok. (Don't change anything in there). Then paste that bit over the other half, lining it up with the rest of it.
IT IS FIDDLY. And annoying. It takes a lot of practice, it can take ages, and I haven't mastered what Fig has, but I hope those tips help. I don't know how to create a tutorial for you to follow, hopefully someone else here has or can.
Oh sweet Vuldari already has given some tips! You're best following his tutorial. But I hope some of these tips have helped. I use kinda ancient programs but to me they are simple and the best (Because I'm not a computer guru, or a graphic art guru). Whatever one suits you, go for.
and I got into my uncle's shed. Grease is hard to get out of fur!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
