Nice sideart!
Nice CPO

I´m using Gimp myself - but just cause of the "can´t go without" layers feature - you are absolutely right that it is not userfriendly.
For easy projects i often use goo ol Paintshop Pro 4 (!) or even Microsoft Paint...
Looin 4ward 2cing your printed designs!
Where are you gonna get em printed
*grrrrrr - no solid printshops around austria

R.