i can do all the stuff like render the main part of the picture into sig but, i cant figure out how people make their backgrounds and stuff so cool

i use gimp2.6

also, can anyone tell me how i make effects (like glow, neon, and shit) in gimp?

thanks anyone who helps

Use C4D's (you can get at planetrenders.net or google), smudging, and pentooling to get the majority of effects. Really you have to read tuts to figure this stuff out. Try looking at the sticky here; I think there are a few smudge tutorials you should start with.

what are C4D's?

They're abstract renders from a 3d program called Cinema 4D.

Here is an example with a bunch of c4ds

http://fc62.deviantart.com/fs25/i/2008/074/e/e/wako__s_free_c4d__s_by_wakodako11.png

Just google "C4D Pack" and you can find a bunch of compiled sets of them. They're really useful for lighting, effects, and even part of your focal point.

got a link to any good c4d's?

uhhh no. As I said 2 times already (-.-), just google them. You'll find loads of c4d packs and stuff.