How the heck are some of those pics made? I've done several now, and they are all so amateurish in comparison. What are some tricks or tools that you guys use to make such breathtaking images??

I'm not an expert, or something, but...

well, several programs, like Photoshop, have their own tutorials on the net. Some are simple, some are harder. But we all have at least take a look on them and try some of them, I think.
if you just begin with Photoshop it's a good way to learn the basics. Well, after that you just have to find your own style, what you like and want to express.

And if I can make a suggestion, don't limit yourself. don't hesitate to mix differents things : photos, scan of object, textures, text, 3D images, drawing... Anything, really...

hope that will help you^^