Background removal

[Skirnir]

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/3747/1280x1024hitsugayaretouev1.jpg
(link to 1280x1024 version, this one at 50%Wx50%H

I'm trying to extract the picture from the wallpaper, but seem to have trouble doing so; it always turns out uneven even if I use the polygon tool or magic eraser. How exactly would you do it?

 

[seifer402]

pen tool is a good choice for cutting out stocks

 

[Eidolon]

Personally I zoom in to 900% then use the "polygonal lasso tool" to cut (just inside of the outline). On curved bits I us the pen too. It always looks more even if you do it at really high zoom.