I found a way to automate the animations in gimp with instant commands so it has been a lot faster getting effects done as a result.

As I said before though, when there is not a direct request for a particular effect or item it is a good idea to try to invent some new effects. Study up on the TE_ stocks and other entities and effects in source. Also try to see how you can make much different looking effects by using all the different sprites and textures already in game for cooler beam effects ect.

Right now a lot of our beam effects are very similar looking but with different colors. There should be, via better materials, a way to improve their appearance of these common effects.