Trying to merge pictures into layers

[videorfeak]

  So I have two vector images that I need to add into 1 picture file with a background and although I have read the same steps online from numerous sources:

File open the background picture, add new layer and import from file the front picture

 

I cannot get this to work for me to save my life. The problem is when I add the second photo, the first picture which is the background, resizes itself to be tiny and no longer takes up the full space it should and manually re-sizing it does not change anything. I have included photos to show what it looks like (the picture size is too big so i had to use an external website) 

https://ibb.co/CbNNk0d    screenshot 1
https://ibb.co/hBGftgg       screenshot 2

 

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Ego Eram Reputo]

Try this:

1. Open both images.
2. On the Character image, add a new layer
3. In the layers window, drag the new layer below the character layer.
4. In the image list (top row of images), click on the gradient image
5. Copy All with Ctrl + Shift + C
6. Return to the character image and make sure the empty layer has the blue highlight in the Layers Window. Click on it if it does not.
7. Ctrl + V pastes the gradient into the new layer AND activates the Move tool
8. Grab the bottom right control nub & drag the pattern out to fill the layer.