Step 1.
Find a program.
The toughest part of avatar making is finding a good program, that you can afford and figuring out how to use it. I recommend Pixlr (which is a free online version of Photoshop) if you don’t have money, and don’t want to download something. Gimp is another free program, which you have to download, however gimp is best for drawing rather then photo manipulation. Gimpshop, also free and downloadable, is a spin off of gimp that has more photoshop-like qualities. Any of those program can be used for creating avatars, and found by searching their names in google. If you are serious, and have a little money, about avatar making/graphic design, I would highly recommend investing in Photoshop CC or Photoshop elements(just a suggestion).
Here is a general list of available graphics programs:
https://wolfplaygame.com/forums.php?f=35&t=10523
Step 2.
Play around with the Program.
The best way to learn is to do. Try opening images, creating new files and playing around with the various tools of whichever program you choose. As all the programs are different I cannot make tutorial for all of them, but if you google how to do _____ in _____ you should find simple tutorials.
Step 3.
Make an Avatar.
Once you get (kind of) familiar with your program it’s time to start your first project.
I recommend starting with a resized image(that fits WP standards for avatars) and just adding a line of test or two. Once you have that you can add some filters, add in another picture or different effects till you have something you like.
PHOTO MANIP TUTORIALS:
WIP