All 3D!

Adobe Photoshop
-or-
Jasc PaintShop Pro

The later is more affordable, and it can do everything you want

Well you can do one of 2 things. Use a 3d modelling prog and render your model. Then use the rendered pic as a bitmap.
Or you can Use a 2d drawing program and make your buttons look like they are 3d.

3d Modeling: Looks nice if you now what you are doing. Hard to learn quickly and still look professional.
Programs include- 3d Studio MAX (THE 3d software), Mya, Milkshape 3d (free but more for game models IMO), there i smore but these are offf the top of my head.


2d Drawing: Can look just as good as actual 3d if done right. Programs may be more familiar and there is good tutorials on making 3d buttons and such. Requires more artistic ability than 3d.
Programs include- Adobe Photoshop(most professional), Paintshop Pro(Almost as powerfull as Photoshop, but easier to learn and use), Macromedia Fireworks(more for webdesign and imaging). There is more but once again, the best off the top of my head.


Here are a couple links to adobe photoshop tutorials for making 3d buttons and other cool effects:
http://www.phong.com/tutorials/
http://www.teamphotoshop.com/photoshop/tutorials/ps_tut_techniques.php

You can do most of the tutorials in PSP with a little modifacation. Both programs have a 30 day free trial. You could get either one and use it for what you need then uninstall it.

[edited by - Liquid Darkness on June 6, 2002 2:53:19 PM]