[Azazel.]

Exelent points guys , here is why I worded it the way I did.

" How can I use this picture and NOTHING else and make it stand out "

The point of this is to get people used to altering a single image. Many images can create a sig by themselves. But I wanted to show how I make a picture have more life than when I found it.
That certanly doesn't mean you should always use one picture and nothing else , it means how can THIS picture stand on it's own.

Import image to sig.

The simplest way I have have found to add an image to a sig is to just drag and drop.
Agreed it doesn't allow for resizing once it's there , but I just wanted to keep things simple and easy.

LOL , I don't know how to use layer masks....

Filters ,
Filters are great , hell look at my angel sig...... Lens Flare!
But what brings it to life are the layers on top of the filter , and the brush work on the sides.
I didn't start making good sigs till I learned good layer and brush habits.