Hi, attempting to design a letterhead / logo. Where to start? Programs? Tips? Tricks? Total newbie here.

Hi, recently I have been addicted to looking at letterheads (added onto my business card fetish....) and have decided to try my hand at making my own. I go for a minimalistic style, but, I realize that I have no idea where to start, or even what programs are usually used. (Photoshop?) ... I tried looking for a simple how to, but, I became lost in looking at pretty letterhead. And something about taking ambien.