How do I create cool graphics for my programs?

1. Get Digimarc's EyeCandy 3 plugin for Photoshop (and Paint Shop Pro).
2. Make extensive use of the inner and outer bevel functions.
3. If you didn't succeed in step one, follow these easy steps to create a bevel:

Select the shape you want to bevel.
Press CTRL-C then CTRL-V to copy your selection to a new layer. Select menu layer-effects-bevel & emboss and tweak the parameters.