What are good programs to devlop themes (NOOB THREAD)

You need to get yourself a good paint program. Paintshop pro, photoshop, ms paint, etc. There are free programs around the net but I have no leads on them. It all depends on whatit is you want to do (create). Explain a little more what you are looking to make/create.

The term 'good paint program' should never be used in conjunction with 'mspaint'. The Gimp is free, some folks swear by it, while I just swear at it. 
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Since i havent seen a good one yet I am hoping to create a Final fantasy theme...I have a feeling that i wont be able to do it...i have no artistic tallent...

Well with that attitude you aren't gonna get anywhere. Keeep your head up and do your best. You will probably be very surprised. It's a start!

Watch out for copyright issues with a Final Fantasy theme.

Depends on your budget for graphics programs, but if money's no object, go with Photoshop [www.adobe.com] or Paint Shop Pro. [www.jasc.com]

My advice is learn ONE of those programs and learn it well, then start on a theme. Wallpapers are great starters hehe.. [I would know:P]

PSP all the way! PS is so overrated. PSP has more bang for the buck me thinks... It had some issues in 7 with PNGs which was a bummer but 8 and 9 fixed that.

"PS is so overrated"

You're stating two things in your comment. Photoshop is the industry standard for a reason. It's not just hype. PSP is more bang for your buck but doesn't compare to Photoshop. It's like saying Bryce is just as good as Lightwave.

I believe PSP is to Photoshop what trueSpace is to 3DS MAX

hell, I like AutoCAD, so whatever!

SBGFX... PS is the industry standard simply because it was the first to have the powerful features needed in the graphics industry, and is entrenched in said industry. But PSP is quite powerful now, and does offer more bang for the buck.

Here is a lil' tidbit of advice for ya.
Go get yourself the trial of each program, and give them a test drive to see which one you will feel comfortable working with. Get the full version of the the one that suits you. I have used both, I prefer Photoshop, the tools are easier for me to work with. I wouldn't dream of using anything but PS. But you gotta make that call for yourself.

True enough Bones..... I tried everything I could find in the beginning, and for a while used several programs, but PSP won out with me. Personally I find PS overly complicated, and don't get me started with The Gimp.  But like you say, it's up to each of us to make our choice.

I just found that Animation Shop (comes with PSP) is able to do WB-compatible progress animations

now I don't have to buy GIF Movie Gear