If you are looking for free and just starting out

GIMP

If you have access to it, Photoshop (doesnt matter which version as you wont be using all the features)

There are going to be people saying get Cinema 4D.
Please dont, atleast not until you have grasped the usage of PS or GIMP.

I use Photoshop. Look at my portfolio, motiive.carbonmade.com

Yeah, as im just starting i dont want programs that are too complex. I can watch tutorials to help me along the way, but nothing that will blow my mind

Zips wrote Yeah, as im just starting i dont want programs that are too complex. I can watch tutorials to help me along the way, but nothing that will blow my mind

We dont expect it to blow us away.
We all start somewhere and we all continue to learn.

Just try to be original and try your best

I think that the best and easiest program to use is Photoshop. For all those that said to use GIMP, there wrong. When I started out I tried GIMP, worst mistake ever. It opens three different things and it's not good for learning. Photoshop gives you the best experience and good turn out of graphics.

PhotoShop an Cinema 4D Always the best atlest for me

Winnings wrote I have a cracked version of Photoshop CS6 if you want it PM me

I'm now downloading this from Winnings, i'll let you all know how my GFX experience goes as i get started

Thank you all for the feed back, i really do appreciate it!

Photoshop. No questions asked. Do NOT use Gimp, its not a great software, and doesnt really have a practical use.

You're probably also going to want C4D. Despite what others say, its a pretty valuable and easy to use software.

Tempts wrote Photoshop. No questions asked. Do NOT use Gimp, its not a great software, and doesnt really have a practical use.

You're probably also going to want C4D. Despite what others say, its a pretty valuable and easy to use software.

Thanks for the advice!

Is there any packages i will need to download too? (Fonts\Backgrounds etc)