@Rpglover, MapTool is more for running games. It's drawing tools are pretty basic, though it lets you import textures and images so in theory you could use it to make maps. I do my maps in Photoshop or Illustrator usually and then import them into MapTool to play.

From what I understand, Gimp and Inkscape are where its at for free vector and raster art software. I just use Photoshop and Illustrator because that's what I'm used to, though I've played with Inkscape a little and found it pretty easy to pick up. There is lots of support on line to get going with those programs. I'd say give Gimp another chance!

cheers,
Meshon