tbh, you can find so many sites with emoticons you can use, ive never felt the need to do my own, and the one i did do, i did in paint, just editing colours n stuff.... its pretty easy, and pretty simple
![:)](images/smilies/msn_happy.gif)
ive never actually used photoshop, but ive seen it used, and it would be best if you want more professional looking emotes
![:P](images/smilies/msn_tongue.gif)