Graphics programs to learn for future versions

[marshall]

Sorry if this seems simplistic, but at least I'm trying to get smarter.

I am making the move from "graphics stealer/adapter" to "graphics creator" for web pages and other projects I am working on. I was thinking that a good way to practice would be to make some icons for a MP skin I am envisioning.

I was working on this in Illustrator as I thought vector graphics seemed like a better way to go for adapting to multiple screens, and there has been talk of them being supported in the future. Is there something better though? I picked up a demo of Aurora (not installed yet), and the CTP of MS Expression Whatever is out. I guess I have a little uncertainty about whether Illustrator graphics are going to cut it with WinFX (seems like they should, but I'm not cutting edge enough to know for sure).

I'll be learning Adobe for other tasks regardless, but if anyone knows of other programs that should be getting some focus, or might be beneficial to know as MP surges forward, I would love to hear about it.