Creating Sprites and Tilesets?

Anyone know of a good tutorial for learning how to create sprites or graphics?  I'm a novice as far as creating sprites (minor frankenspriting here and there) and would like to learn to create custom graphics.

Thanks in advance.

Here is a contest which have tons of information on creating graphics, like sprites, tilesets, etcetera. It has ended, but they will re-open later where people can submit late submissions and it will be extended to Jan. 2nd.

Honestly, I never thought I would be able to do sprites and the like. I started off recoloring. Then very minor frankens - switching hairstyles, etc. Eventually I got to where I could see the mechanics of how the sprites were constructed. It also helped me learn to better use the tools in Gimp, which is what I use.

Not saying don't look for tutorials, but also don't be afraid to just try it. And keep trying even when you feel like it's not going so well. You'll get it.

Lunarea has made 4 tutorials on tile-making: http://blog.rpgmakerweb.com/tutorials/creating-tiles-part-4/ and Celianna wrote an interesting article on the process of making tilesets http://blog.rpgmakerweb.com/tips-and-tricks/creating-tilesets/ . I hope that helps!

Thanks for the links!  I guess I need to just start working at it and see about getting better. :)