well,
i like flash8, flash8 also can be a great image creater,
or try photoshop, and .... hmm ....
u know, i am good at 3dsmax, that also can be a image creater,
u can use 3dsmax to create bump maps,normal maps,and some visual effect
....
but for u, i think the Flash8 is the most suitable for u.
so thats my suggestions.

check this:
http://www.freebyte.com/graphicprograms/
hope those helps