Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about this journal? Read through the many questions I've already been asked to see if your question is there. If not, ask away :)
MAKING ICONS
HOW DO YOU MAKE ICONS?
This is one of the most annoying questions an icon maker can be asked. Mainly because there is no one answer, as there are numerous types of icons out there, all with different methods on how to be made. I hope one day to compile my own tutorials, but for the time being, check out communities like icon_help. I also highly recommend this tutorial on making mini-movie icons (icons with a small animation in the corner) by crumblingwalls.
WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU USE TO MAKE ICONS?
To make most of the bases, I use Adobe PhotoShop 7. To make my animations, I use Adobe ImageReady 7. To capture DVD frames from my DVD Rom, I use CyberLink PowerDVD 4.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR SCREENCAPS FROM?
I capture them myself using my DVD Rom program, CyberLink PowerDVD 4 (I explain how I capture frames here) or from media files I've downloaded and are able to open in Adobe ImageReady 7 (compatible files are any ending in *.psd, *.pdd, *.gif, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.jpe, *.png, *.wbmp, *.wbm, *.pdf, *.ai, *.pdp, *.avi, *.bmp, *.rle, *.dib, *.flm, *.flc, *.fli, *.ai3, *.ai4, *.ai5, *.ai6, *.ai7, *.ai8, *.ai, *.mpg, *.pcx, *.pcd, *.pxr, *.eps, *.mov, *.qt, *.tga, *.vda, *.icb, *.vst, *.tiff, *.tif, and *.exe). If I get them from anywhere else, I will specify where I got them from within the same post as the icons.
WHAT DVDS CAN YOU MAKE ICONS FROM?
Here is a complete list of all my DVDs that are currently compatible with my DVD Rom:
REQUESTS
CAN I REQUEST AN ICON?
Yes, I take requests BUT only at certain times. I'll usually specify within the most recent post as to whether or not I'm taking requests. If I haven't said anywhere that I'm taking requests, then I'm not. Also, there is certain information that you have to give me before I can take a request. Refer to the next question for details.
Bare in mind that there can be a delay in how long it takes me to get your icon to you; I share a temperamental computer with two other people.
WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE A REQUEST?
There are a few things you need to share with me before I can make you an icon:
Suggestions like "This is my picture. I don't care what you do with it" or "Can you make me a Frodo icon?" are NOT clear and will NOT be accepted.
CAN I USE AN ICON YOU'VE MADE FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S REQUEST?
That's up to the person I've made it for. Contact them and see if they're willing to share it.
DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS ONLY BANNERS, COLOUR BARS, LAYOUTS, OR MOOD THEMES?
Not generally, no, because they are very time-consuming. But if I'm not busy at the time and you're clear in what you want design-wise, I might take requests.
AFFILIATES
CAN I HOST THESE ICONS ON MY WEBSITE?
Yes, I allow my icons to be hosted on other people's websites on three conditions:
Yes, I welcome any affiliation that will help people to find my icons.
WILL YOU AFFILIATE ME?
That really depends on what you want me to affiliate. I'm not a fan of having a large list of affiliates on my info page, so please don't ask just because you want to be associated with this journal's work.
CAN I HOST OR ADVERTISE MY ICONS HERE?
No. This journal is mine and was made for my icons alone.
MISCELLANEOUS
HOW DO I CREDIT IN KEYWORDS?
Go to your icon upload page, via your LJ menu: Manage-->User Pictures. Somewhere within EITHER the icon's keywords or comment box, type chicken_icons or just 'chicken_icons'.
WHY DO I NEED TO CREDIT?
There are two main reasons, really. Firstly, a LOT of time and effort goes into designing, capturing, creating, and animating icons--icons that have been created for those people who don't have the creativity or equipment to do it for themselves. Crediting is an easy way of showing thanks to the icon artist. Also, if you don't attach credit, people will think you made the icon yourself, and that's an insult to the artist who actually put in the time and effort.
Secondly, icons made for the general public should be shared. If someone likes an icon, the icon's style, or the icon's fandom, they can track where the icon came from and add more to their collection. Sharing is caring, people.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T CREDIT?
Primarily, I'll be angry and offended.
HOWEVER, I know that mistakes can happen. I often check up on people who have taken my icons to make sure that they're following the [fairly uncomplicated] rules set out in the icon's post. If not, I will post three reminders in your journal to amend your mistake. If this has not been done by the time two weeks have passed, I will report your violation to _anti_theft_ and icontheft. I will also post your name under the Thief section of this journal's user info.
HELP! WHENEVER I SAVE YOUR ICONS TO MY COMPUTER, THEY SAVE AS .BMP FILES!
A few people seem to have this problem. Sadly, I don't know why it happens. The only way that I know of to get around it is to upload the icon via it's URL link. Simply right-click on the icon you want and copy the URL address from 'Properties'. Then paste that code into the URL request box on your 'Manage User Pictures' page. It should upload from there.
CAN I USE THESE ICONS AT MESSAGE BOARDS, GREATESTJOURNAL, OR DEADJOURNAL?
Yes, my icons can be used at any of these kinds of those sites as long as you credit. I prefer these methods:
Message boards
A comment in the account's signature attributing the icon to this journal. Examples:
Credit in icon's keywords OR comment box with 'chicken_icons@LJ' or 'chicken_icons_LJ'.
I also ask that you provide me with the account name of the website/journal you're planning to use my icons for.
CAN I ADD THIS JOURNAL TO MY FRIENDS LIST?
Yes. A lot of people do this so that they know when I've updated.
WILL YOU ADD ME TO YOUR FRIENDS LIST?
Yes, I have no problem with adding people to my Friends List as long as they friend this journal in return. Simply post a comment here or when you take an icon.
HOW DO I JOIN?
This is a journal and not a community; therefore, you can't join. You can, however, add this journal to your Friends List and I will add you in return.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATTE AND NON-MATTE ICONS?
There is a post here which explains that.
CAN I NOMINATE YOU AT AN ICON AWARD COMMUNITY?
Yes, I have no objection to being nominated :) Oh, but please let me know so that I can keep tabs on the awards!
MAKING ICONS
HOW DO YOU MAKE ICONS?
This is one of the most annoying questions an icon maker can be asked. Mainly because there is no one answer, as there are numerous types of icons out there, all with different methods on how to be made. I hope one day to compile my own tutorials, but for the time being, check out communities like icon_help. I also highly recommend this tutorial on making mini-movie icons (icons with a small animation in the corner) by crumblingwalls.
WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU USE TO MAKE ICONS?
To make most of the bases, I use Adobe PhotoShop 7. To make my animations, I use Adobe ImageReady 7. To capture DVD frames from my DVD Rom, I use CyberLink PowerDVD 4.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR SCREENCAPS FROM?
I capture them myself using my DVD Rom program, CyberLink PowerDVD 4 (I explain how I capture frames here) or from media files I've downloaded and are able to open in Adobe ImageReady 7 (compatible files are any ending in *.psd, *.pdd, *.gif, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.jpe, *.png, *.wbmp, *.wbm, *.pdf, *.ai, *.pdp, *.avi, *.bmp, *.rle, *.dib, *.flm, *.flc, *.fli, *.ai3, *.ai4, *.ai5, *.ai6, *.ai7, *.ai8, *.ai, *.mpg, *.pcx, *.pcd, *.pxr, *.eps, *.mov, *.qt, *.tga, *.vda, *.icb, *.vst, *.tiff, *.tif, and *.exe). If I get them from anywhere else, I will specify where I got them from within the same post as the icons.
WHAT DVDS CAN YOU MAKE ICONS FROM?
Here is a complete list of all my DVDs that are currently compatible with my DVD Rom:
- + 28 Days (Collector's Edition)
+ A Knight's Tale (Collector's Edition)
+ Black Adder's A Christmas Carol
+ Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
+ City of Angels
+ Edward Scissorhands (10th Anniversary Edition)
+ Erin Brockovich
+ Face Off (Special Edition)
+ Fargo
+ Finding Nemo (Collector's Edition)
+ Firefly: The Complete Series
+ Flatliners
+ Flubber
+ Four Weddings and a Funeral
+ Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
+ Gilmore Girls: The Complete First Season
+ Gilmore Girls: The Complete Second Season
+ Gilmore Girls: The Complete Third Season
+ Girl, Interrupted (Collector's Edition)
+ Harold and Maude
+ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
+ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
+ It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
+ Kate and Leopold (Director's Cut)
+ Kermit's Swamp Years
+ Ladyhawke
+ Lilo and Stitch
+ Miss Congeniality
+ Monster's Inc (Collector's Edition)
+ Monty Python's And Now For Something Completely Different
+ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Collector's Edition)
+ Monty Python's Life of Brian
+ Muppets From Space (Collector's Edition)
+ Muppet Treasure Island
+ Notting Hill
+ Pirates of the Carribbean (2-Disc Collector's Edition)
+ Ransom (Collector's Edition)
+ Remember the Titans (Collector's Edition)
+ Signs (Collector's Edition)
+ Sliding Doors
+ Speed (Collector's Edition)
+ Spiderman (Deluxe Collector's Pack)
+ Spiderman 2 (Collector's Edition)
+ Steel Magnolias (Collector's Edition)
+ The Emperor's New Groove: The Ultimate Groove (Collector's Edition)
+ The Faculty
+ The Fifth Element
+ The Forsyte Saga: To Let (Series 2)
+ The Green Mile
+ The Jimeon: All Over the Shop
+ The Long Kiss Goodnight
+ The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)
+ The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Extended Edition)
+ The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
+ The Man In The Iron Mask
+ The Matrix
+ The Muppets Take Manhattan
+ The Net
+ The Notebook
+ The Others (2-Disc Collector's Edition)
+ The Shawshank Redemption
+ The Sixth Sense
+ The Sixth Sense (Collector's Edition)
+ Thelma and Louise (Collector's Edition)
+ Titanic
+ Treasure Planet
+ Two Week's Notice
+ Unbreakable (Collector's Edition)
+ Willow (Special Edition)
+ Wimbledon
+ X-Men
+ X-Men 1.5 (X-treme Edition)
+ X-Men 2 (Special Edition)
REQUESTS
CAN I REQUEST AN ICON?
Yes, I take requests BUT only at certain times. I'll usually specify within the most recent post as to whether or not I'm taking requests. If I haven't said anywhere that I'm taking requests, then I'm not. Also, there is certain information that you have to give me before I can take a request. Refer to the next question for details.
Bare in mind that there can be a delay in how long it takes me to get your icon to you; I share a temperamental computer with two other people.
WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE A REQUEST?
There are a few things you need to share with me before I can make you an icon:
- 1. The picture/s you want in the icon. This can be via URL link, e-mail, or by posting it on LiveJournal. I can also make icons from any files ending in *.psd, *.pdd, *.gif, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.jpe, *.png, *.wbmp, *.wbm, *.pdf, *.ai, *.pdp, *.avi, *.bmp, *.rle, *.dib, *.flm, *.flc, *.fli, *.ai3, *.ai4, *.ai5, *.ai6, *.ai7, *.ai8, *.ai, *.mpg, *.pcx, *.pcd, *.pxr, *.eps, *.mov, *.qt, *.tga, *.vda, *.icb, *.vst, *.tiff, *.tif, or *.exe. Alternatively, you may request an icon from a DVD that I own. For a complete list, go here.
2. The type of icon you want. Whether it be a plain base, an animation, a mini-movie, a transparency, etc.
3. The type of font/s you want. You don't have to know the actual name of the font, but a description will be fine (eg, "small and block-like", "curly", "fun", "gothic", etc).
4. A general description of what you want in the icon. This can include anything from borders, colours, text positioning, effects, speed ... the list goes on.
Suggestions like "This is my picture. I don't care what you do with it" or "Can you make me a Frodo icon?" are NOT clear and will NOT be accepted.
CAN I USE AN ICON YOU'VE MADE FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S REQUEST?
That's up to the person I've made it for. Contact them and see if they're willing to share it.
DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS ONLY BANNERS, COLOUR BARS, LAYOUTS, OR MOOD THEMES?
Not generally, no, because they are very time-consuming. But if I'm not busy at the time and you're clear in what you want design-wise, I might take requests.
AFFILIATES
CAN I HOST THESE ICONS ON MY WEBSITE?
Yes, I allow my icons to be hosted on other people's websites on three conditions:
- 1. You fully credit and link to this journal.
2. You upload the icons to your own server.
3. You let me know that you plan to host them on your website and you provide me with the website address.
Yes, I welcome any affiliation that will help people to find my icons.
WILL YOU AFFILIATE ME?
That really depends on what you want me to affiliate. I'm not a fan of having a large list of affiliates on my info page, so please don't ask just because you want to be associated with this journal's work.
CAN I HOST OR ADVERTISE MY ICONS HERE?
No. This journal is mine and was made for my icons alone.
MISCELLANEOUS
HOW DO I CREDIT IN KEYWORDS?
Go to your icon upload page, via your LJ menu: Manage-->User Pictures. Somewhere within EITHER the icon's keywords or comment box, type chicken_icons or just 'chicken_icons'.
WHY DO I NEED TO CREDIT?
There are two main reasons, really. Firstly, a LOT of time and effort goes into designing, capturing, creating, and animating icons--icons that have been created for those people who don't have the creativity or equipment to do it for themselves. Crediting is an easy way of showing thanks to the icon artist. Also, if you don't attach credit, people will think you made the icon yourself, and that's an insult to the artist who actually put in the time and effort.
Secondly, icons made for the general public should be shared. If someone likes an icon, the icon's style, or the icon's fandom, they can track where the icon came from and add more to their collection. Sharing is caring, people.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T CREDIT?
Primarily, I'll be angry and offended.
HOWEVER, I know that mistakes can happen. I often check up on people who have taken my icons to make sure that they're following the [fairly uncomplicated] rules set out in the icon's post. If not, I will post three reminders in your journal to amend your mistake. If this has not been done by the time two weeks have passed, I will report your violation to _anti_theft_ and icontheft. I will also post your name under the Thief section of this journal's user info.
HELP! WHENEVER I SAVE YOUR ICONS TO MY COMPUTER, THEY SAVE AS .BMP FILES!
A few people seem to have this problem. Sadly, I don't know why it happens. The only way that I know of to get around it is to upload the icon via it's URL link. Simply right-click on the icon you want and copy the URL address from 'Properties'. Then paste that code into the URL request box on your 'Manage User Pictures' page. It should upload from there.
CAN I USE THESE ICONS AT MESSAGE BOARDS, GREATESTJOURNAL, OR DEADJOURNAL?
Yes, my icons can be used at any of these kinds of those sites as long as you credit. I prefer these methods:
Message boards
A comment in the account's signature attributing the icon to this journal. Examples:
- + Icon/Avatar from http://www.livejournal.com/users/chicken_icons/
+ Icon/Avatar from chicken_icons
+ Icon/Avatar by chicken_icons at http://www.livejournal.com
+ Icon/Avatar by chicken_icons at LiveJournal.com
Credit in icon's keywords OR comment box with 'chicken_icons@LJ' or 'chicken_icons_LJ'.
I also ask that you provide me with the account name of the website/journal you're planning to use my icons for.
CAN I ADD THIS JOURNAL TO MY FRIENDS LIST?
Yes. A lot of people do this so that they know when I've updated.
WILL YOU ADD ME TO YOUR FRIENDS LIST?
Yes, I have no problem with adding people to my Friends List as long as they friend this journal in return. Simply post a comment here or when you take an icon.
HOW DO I JOIN?
This is a journal and not a community; therefore, you can't join. You can, however, add this journal to your Friends List and I will add you in return.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATTE AND NON-MATTE ICONS?
There is a post here which explains that.
CAN I NOMINATE YOU AT AN ICON AWARD COMMUNITY?
Yes, I have no objection to being nominated :) Oh, but please let me know so that I can keep tabs on the awards!