Put some time into learning the basics of photoshop, it goes hand-in-hand with visual basics which has a large e***asis on visual design. If you don't know where to download photoshop check the Combat Arms Modding Stickies, it has CS3, CS4, CS5 downloads. Download some artsy brush sets and it's really easy. My last GUI (one I decided on it) took a total of 45 seconds per form, yet it still looked nice.