I don't use PS all that often, but it does offer a lot of lighting features that are easier to produce in that rather than Paint Shop Pro.

I can't be the super helpful with tips and tricks in PS but I can point you towards icon_tutorial with their wicked selection of brilliant TEXT TAGS. But definitely check out the rest of their tutorials as well.

However, I can help out when and where I can. =3 I love iconing and making graphics, and am constantly trying to improve my work. The best way to go about it is trial and error.