Any in-depth guide to creating weapon/player sprites?

[Dynomic]

I have hypothesizing on a large scale modification for Doom, and I am anxious to put it into place and one of the things I need to learn to begin this project is learn how to make my own, genuine sprites. I personally dislike using resources from a public repository like Realm667, and only want to use my own creations. Any links to programs and guide that could get me on my way would be greatly appreciated.

[UnTrustable]

I would recommend Paint Shop pro ( I use an old but sufficient version 6). i have it stored on my own website, but i don't think the Zandronum staff would appreciate me of providing a download link.
I dont know if the program will run under Win7. (I never tried it btw. It will run under WinXP or lower window versions (win98) WinNT etc)
Other forum users will most likely advise you to use other programs.
Anyways, you will need alot of patients if you really want to create NEW sprites, Weapons and or monsters.
Sometimes joining forces with other sprite artists would ease the pain alittle.
I dont have any guides for you to learn how to make sprites like color depths/shadowing etc.
Sometimes i draw something on paper, scan it in, and sprite it further in Paint Shop Pro 6.
Maybe it could be a great idea to make a clay-model of a monster, and make photo's of every 8 angles.