MS Publisher and GIMP.

I'll often take photos of stuff I want (hands, globes, etc.) then make them into a drawing by tracing it in Publisher (I've just gotten used to the tools), then I use GIMP for more tools.

Thank you Clinton!

Any other recommendations?

I'm using Corel right now (b/c most affordable with plenty of features vs. Illustrator) along with my Bamboo Fun digital drawing tablet. Love it!

I use or misuse rather two free programs I downloaded: Gimp and Paint.net

I use the Creative Suite programs by Adobe which has Illustrator for drawing, Photoshop for image manipulation, and InDesign for page layout. Forgive me for saying so if you already aware, but they are the gold standard of the design industry. These are very sophisticated pieces of software and can have a bit of an intimidating feel as a result, but you can do a lot once you get the basics down. Beyond that, there are many free tutorials available to teach tips and tricks. Of course that means they are crazy expensive. However, if you can legally buy the student version it gets to be MUCH cheaper.

Copy and Paste for dummies.

I use Illustrator for my logo designs. You should definitely be using some type of vector based program for logo designs. I've never used it, but inkscape is a free open-source vector program.

You're going down the wrong path if you're trying to create logos in a bitmap graphics program like photoshop for a quirky logo (or pretty much any logo). IMO

Microsoft Paint

@Zymie I thought you used Crayola Crayons, especially Piss yellow and hot pink to make glowing green?

I use Inkscape and Paint.net for initial design and manipulation then I sometimes use Smoothdraw for touch ups.

Darren is right. If you are serious about design a logo. Do yourself a huge favor and learn a vector based program (free or paid). Call me crazy, but I use a program that is not even made anymore. Freehand MX - bought out by Adobe because it was the best! :) I own illustrator and use it only when I open someone's file.

Good luck.

@Ken I had to switch from using beet juice and talculm powder

I'm an Adobe gal from way back. I'm so old I remember the original Pagemaker, so I agree with Darren and Tyrel. You can't beat Creative Suite - but it is expensive. See if you can get an educator's discount, it will help.

Adobe Creative Suite 4 has everything I need for designing. If you are in School you can get a serious discount on the adobe suite, Journeyed.com

Thank you all for your help!

Tyrel, what version of Freehand do you use?