To make banners i go through a 3 Stage process:
Stage 1: I use Microsoft Paint, which is so simple yet so effective and good. I gather backgrounds and images of creatures etc. And place them on the background.
Stage 2: I use Photo Impact SE to add the text, using text with paint doesn't appear correct.
Stage 3: I either save it or if i need a transparent bacground i will copy it to Paint Shop Pro and save it as a transparent gif.
So alot of work does go into making these banners. Although i wont expect you to buy all of those programs
