@
Highsnow of Matterhorn Though I can't help with cost, I can help with program recommendations!
The programs you currently use aren't bad at all, actually Piskel is quite good! But, here are some other downloadable options:
- Firealpaca - The one I use, and have used, forever! It's free and has lots of variety, including drawing, animation, gif making, pixel art creation and more! Despite this, it is much more simple than most artistic programs, like photoshop, so it is great for beginners too if you're not used to a full-on art program.
On the downside, it is simple, if you get a more advanced understanding you'll find it limiting. And there is a popup when you open it every-time in the middle of the screen, but it's just firealpaca giving you a notice about their updates/advanced version really.
- Krita - practically the same as firealpaca, and also free. But a bit more advanced, you will find this difficult to use if you don't learn about it. Also it doesn't seem to work on some computers, haven't figured out why that is yet!
I'll leave it here for now since those two are the best fully free ones I know of, but if you do download them watch their tutorials on youtube!! They are severely helpful!