Bit of a techie question:

I'm building my web site and I am fine with programming but I need a piece of software that will allow me to create images so that I can use them as parts of tool bars, headers, side bars and adverts etc. Animation would be nice but not essential.

I am not enthusiastic about paying alot but I realise its will be a good investment if it makes my site better.

Any ideas or recommendations would be appreciated.