There are tons of FREE images available on the internet: LINK Take a look.

You really should use Google Search as a first "go to". I do.

Getting images isn't the problem. Putting it all together is the part I don't know how to do. For example I would like mine to look like this one. However this one belongs to someone else so I can't use it.

OK, pick a snazzy looking image from my link and make up a list of what you can provide then post it here or send it all to any takers.(Make sure you are using a free to re-use graphic.)

I think there ought to be somebody here that can fuse it all together into one uploadable image for you. If you know what font(s) you want to use, include that info.

Also include where and on what you're advertising (print/paper type/web...etc.), size... as for fonts, leave that up to the designer. If the above is about the size you'd want, there's too much print. It should be organized according to the rule of 3. Lose the italics. Use just 2 fonts. The text in the middle in red should be small. The top 3 rows should be closer together. "Edgy Bob" can fix it" should be larger. Lose the "don't worry".

You also are missing contact info: Telephone, facebook, email, website.

I love the Arial and Tahoma fonts.

Keep in mind I want the add to point out i offer these services for a flat fee of $40 dollars. (It's just a hobby more or less...)

I offer the following services:

* NEW custom built computers with parts of YOUR choice
* Virus, spyware, and malware removal
* Data backup to a external hard drive or DVD disc
* Computer tune-ups
* Hardware and software upgrades
* Networking help and troubleshooting including wireless network setup and wireless printer setup
* Windows installation assistance including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
* Mac OS X installation assistance

I have experience with the following:

* Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
* Mac OS X
* Ubuntu, Fedora, and Mint Linux (desktop versions only)

kona, I HIGHLY recommend you remove your personal details and send them by PM.

Terry, you left out your social security number, your bank account number, your girlfriend's phone number, and your mailing address.    May as well be thorough.        

Why remove them here when they can be found on my ad running already on Craigslist?

GIMP, its free

http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

From "How Stuff Works" website:

File this one under security risk. If you share your address and phone number on a social networking site, you open yourself up to threats of identity theft and other personal dangers like burglaries. If you post that you're going on vacation and you have your address posted, then everyone knows you have an empty house. Identity thieves could pay a visit to your mailbox and open up a credit card in your name. Burglars could rid your home of anything of value.

Even just posting your phone number gives people with Internet savvy easy access to your address. Reverse lookup services can supply anyone with your home address if you can provide the phone number

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/information/10-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-networks.htm#page=6  

How are people supposed to contact him to make an appointment, Jim? Smoke signal???

The successful ad/business card have this info on them: Telephone, facebook, email, website.

No one says the telephone number has to be the home number. It should be the mobile number.

kona: The font combinations (common) which work together are: 1. Helvetica-Garamond. 2) Frutiger Bold-Minion

3)Garamond Bold-Futura 4) Myriad Bold-Minion.

There are others. In general the best combos involve a sans-serif with a serif, a sharp font with a rounded one, for contrast.

Tutorials:

http://speckyboy.com/2013/06/13/the-principles-of-typography-back-to-basics-2/  <-- The absolute basics.

http://www.noupe.com/design/a-crash-course-in-typography-principles-for-combining-typefaces.html <-- Combining type faces. Very important.

Thanks Doc for the info on fonts. I still don't have any idea how to put it all together.

I have plenty of tutorials on doing text effects. Some of them are pretty cool. Gothic, spacey, glass etc.

Uvah: He doesn't need text effects.

He needs to understand typography and the principles of graphics and design. You can't start with the roof...you start a house with the foundation.

kona:

You're welcome.

Perhaps you know someone with a professional graphics background?

If not, try Graphics and Design schools near you. Explain the project and what you can pay. Perhaps they can hook you up with someone to help you.

It will be a lot easier sitting face to face with someone and explaining everything you need/want.

Also, try to decide first on the 'look' you want from the graphics. I mean, flat, modern, homey, etc. Then find free images (truly 'free' for commercial use). The graphics person will insist on that. If you can't find such an image, don't panic. A real graphics person has tons of them available either licensed or knows where to get some.

If you insist on doing it yourself, I'm not optimistic about the results. Remember: You'll be going up against folks who did invest. 

Also, a very small point: Are you limiting yourself to XP? If so, your potential market will be dwindling. On the other hand, they'll be so vulnerable that you might just be in big demand. lol.

I know. Just throwin' it out there.

So what exactly needs to be done? If its just to write some text in photoshop, akin to that Edgy Bob picture, i may be willing to help with that. Need more info though.

In short, "Graphic designers".

-You hire them and they get the Job done. Me & Kitty can pay our rent thanks to this line of work...

Of course I encourage people to do it themselves if they are happy using what they've created, otherwise tha's why me n Kitteh can make a living.

-V-styler's working with these things as well as he has showed here on WC.

Arguably anyone who skins is a 'graphic designer'.

There are a LOT of them here...

'Some' started professionally 42 years ago [feeling old] ....but much of it all is simple experience/practise/experimentation.

The 'only' golden rule re fonts in graphic design is 'KISS'.

Ideally NO MORE than 2 or maybe 3 [at worst].  Beyond that 'KISS' becomes 'MESS'....

....oh, and watch the vid myfist0 posted....and get Gimp....and use it.

Insert....'teach a man to fish....' anecdote here....