A question

[majorshipper]

Fellow creative people; when you're making icons/wallpapers/headers, whatever, what is your preferred tool for 'cutting' people out? Right now I use masks, but they almost never look just right. I've heard (vaugely) about the pen tool but I've never used it, is that what you're suppose to use?
I dunno. I'm just curious and I'd like to know what everyone else uses that looks so great.