The only solution I can think of is to use Backdrop, which places an image on the screen as soon as its INIT is loaded, but I don't know if it works under 8.1. (Backdrop seems to be mostly a System 6 utility and has been discussed extensively on this board). I've never tried it with a newer version of the system but it could be worth a shot. However, if it doesn't work, don't be surprised (mostly due to the age of the program).