Adobe photoshop elements is best for people who are trying to learn gfx and very easy to use. I suggest you try and get hold of it.
I agree that the tile set isnt very good, but there is no need to give up. In time and in pratice you'll get better. I really suggest you try and edit the tile set already there instead of trying to create if from scratch. Slowly editing it bit by bit is alot alot easer and you still get a differnt look to the normal pics1 if that is what you are trying to do.
Good luck with your server.
Ducati.
I am not the greatest at GFX to say the least. But I am getting there. (I created most of these:
http://www.westnet.com.au/alyson/signatures.htm so you can see where I am) If there is anything you want help with (tile set wise) I can try and help out in areas.