Programs I've found useful for creating graphics:

Paintshop Pro 5 by JASC Software. This latest version is one of the best paint programs out there and is priced reasonably as well. All the standard functions and features plus a few filters to create special effects like buttons, drop shadow, chisel, etc. A new feature is "tubes" which are rather like stamping pre-loaded, full-color, finished pictures onto your work for embellishment, and you can combine them for interesting effects. At this site Jasc is also offering free tube sets for downloading.

The Paintshop Pro Foundry - has tutorials, plug-ins, tubes and more. Lots of useful stuff.

Paintshop Pro - tips and tricks. Many specific effects explained here.

Kai's Power Tools 5 by Metacreations. Many great filter "machines" are included in this package: gradient designer, sphere designer, edge FX, seamless tiler, page curl, texture explorer, and many more. These are the basic necessities for graphics design! These filters plug into Paintshop Pro and other similar programs.

Eye Candy by Alien Skin Software. Another great set of plug-in filters, I couldn't live without. Filters include: Chrome, carve, fur, flame, smoke, drop shadow, glow, inner bevel, swirl, water drops, weave, and many more.

BladePro by Flaming Pear Software. This incredible plug-in machine texturizes, colors, and shapes 2-dimensional things into works of wonder! Priced reasonably too. Many people are now offering free "pre-sets" you can download for BladePro which create beautiful works.

BladePro how to's, tips, and presets. Very useful!

TeraLogic Texture Maker - I can't say enough about this "donation-ware" program. You can make seamless tiled backgrounds, spheres, and abstract art. Contains many glorious filters and effects. I haven't had this much fun since I got a new box of crayons!

The Filter Factory Galleries - So MANY free filters by people who love to use and create filters! Most of them work under both Photoshop and Paintshop Pro 5. Over 2400 filters! Also lots of other tips, tools, and tutorials on making graphics.

Plugin Com HQ - Now how are you going to manage all those free filters? Try the Plugin Commander. Also lots of other nice things here - plugins, tubes, filters, links, tips and tricks.

Shoestring's Picture Dicer - a great FREE dicer that chops your pictures up for using with java mouseover effects. The program also generates the basic html coding needed for the picture placement.

My favorite graphics pages on the web:

Moyra's Web Jewels - One of the most gorgeous graphics sites on the web! Many jewel-like creations and fantastic themes.

S.S.Studio Web Graphics- More beautiful things for your website, including animated jewels!

The Graphics Ring - contains so many sites, it will keep you busy for weeks! There is a lot of good stuff on graphics here and they send out a very informative newsletter. They also have a nifty search engine of all their sites (which I've also included below).