How do i create shapes or multiple shapes to get an image such as the attached examples? Any recommendations? I will be using these designs/shapes with VSD

Thanks in advance!

Using layers. The noname image, for instance, could be created with a circle or ellipse right over on the edge of your image. Decide if you want to do drop shadows to each layer or only to the complete image.
Same applies to the rectangular shapes too. Then when everything is lined up as you like, you crop to the required size - just be careful if you have shadows that they don't get cropped out too.

Keep a copy of the image with all the layers intact so that they can be changed individually if you need to... and do a merged copy of the image to flatten it all. You could use Paint Shop Pro - Adobe Elements or Gimp to get all these effects.

Thanks Janys I'll give it a try

Yea, I do this all of the time, Adobe elements is good because when you select the option to save for the web it automatically optimizes the graphic for you.

What I forgot to mention is that it would be best to make each of the new layers transparent and then add shapes, but just colour fill the shape so that the bottom or background layer remains fully visible. The alternative would be to adjust the opacity/transparency levels of each layer so that they show through.

But with a little experimentation you will soon see all these possibilities and find what works best for you. Give a shout if you need more help on this as there are several of us who know how to use the programs with confidence. Well... Eric and myself are two for a start!