Can anyone make cool pictures out of text and punctuation?

Many people can! Not myself though. But to see some truly amazing ones, check this out:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ascii+art&hl=en&sa...

I couldn't see any pictures either. Without trying to avoid your question, good editing is a result of having good ideas. Whatever is used, without good ideas the best software in the world is no more than a whole lot of ones and zeros taking up space on your computer. The various incarnations of Photoshop are hugely capable and flexible tools in the hands of a good operator, but any program on its own is about as much use as a pile of lumber on a construction site without a carpenter to put it all together. Ask any photgraphically inclined friends to help, or if you get desperate you can contact me through my profile. Good luck and don't give up.