Back in December of 2011, Matt and friends added the ability for WordPress plugins to have really pretty header images. For BuddyPress, I went through a few design iterations before settling on the header image pictured at the bottom of this post. I wanted it to be minimalistic and unique, so I took an hour to extend the label area with the buddies at the end. Below is the basic approach to make that happen:

• Take a screen shot of the header image without the extended icon area.
• Open that screen shot in Photoshop or your favorite image editor.
• Make a new layer.
• Fill the new layer with a black close to whatever the primary color of the label is. (#181818)
• Hide that layer, select the background layer.
• Magic wand the label.
• Extend the selection to the size you want it to be (Usually 50px or so.)
• Switch to your all black layer.
• Right click; Select inverse; Delete.
• Tweak the opacity of your black layer to match as closely as possible. Take your time with this; even if it’s the slightest bit off, it’s pretty noticeable.