Welcome to the Guild Saxon! Sounds like you have definitely found a place to call home. Yup, check out Ravells quickstart guide as Korash suggested. Also get to know the Tutorials section well. Browse through the various tutorials to get a feel for map styles you are interested in trying out, and what software is needed to produce them (probably the majority of people here use Photoshop or GIMP). Next, once you decide to get your feet wet and start a map, post up an WIP thread so as to invite early constructive feedback.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh