You need to be somewhat creative. I've found most clients these days will go for almost any design you suggest, unless they are extremely specific or picky. You need to know valid XHTML/CSS You should know Javascript, PHP at least at an entry level. You should learn search engine friendly layout design, coding, and imaging techniques. Use Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, FTP, Flash (for simple flash headers) Learn how to market yourself effectively Stay up to date on trends and technologies Learn how to manipulate wordpress themes, oscommerce, or any other open source shopping cart software or blogging software (which is a rapidly growing trend ) Learn SEO as much as you possibly can. Knowing SEO extremely increases your value as a web designer. You design someones website, then offer your SEO services on top.