2D Topdown perspective art

[VengefulPastry]

For drawing tiles and characters in a top-down, 2D perspective, what tools/books/training have indie developers on this site used to good effect?

I'm not much of an artist (thus the need for good 2D perspective advice), and any ideas for software tools, or easy training/books/websites would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[VengefulPastry]

Oops! Wrong heading- I meant to put this under development & technical.

How much do I have to beg to get a moderator to move it to the right area?