Adobe - Photoshop and Illustrator,the absolute must have products by Adobe which open worlds of possibilities to every graphic artist. Photoshop is a pixel based image editor with some vector capability and the most acclaimed all round 2D design program out there. Illustrator is a vector based design tool. They complement each other well and together from the state of the art graphic design tool

 

Discreet - The most amazingly extensive piece of 3D modelling and animation software out there.

Altuit Hemingway - An easy to use web button effect creator

Xara3D - This is an awesome tool for non 3D savvy designers. 3D text effects and animations are only a click away, but the most impressive feature is that it can render imported vector graphics from XaraX, making this a basic but also incredibly easy to use and accessible 3D renderer.

Ulead Gif Animator - The most advanced gif animator out there. Creates smooth transitions and animations.

Terragen - a free/shareware scenery generator which produces photo realistic sceneries. With a little training you can achieve awesome results.