rocknbil - 5:00 pm on Mar 1, 2012 (gmt 0)

jolett don't be insulted but take this for the constructive criticism it is and consider some things.

You are looking for what "you" think looks good. You've already professed that you don't have a background in design and art. So really: do you really know what's best for you?

Trust me. You don't. Without a background in design and art, your need to control your design directives will wind up like this [theoatmeal.com]. You'll be proud if it, think you've done great, everyone will tell you so to your face, but behind you they will scoff.

but I want to do most of the things myself ... I just have to experiment with it, I guess, until I figure something out.

You need to let go of this and trust the skills of others. Sure you can spend the next ten years "figuring it out" but how much conversion and reputation will you lose in that time? There are thousands of designers and developers who've already done this (and just as many who will never "get it") who are ready to help you. You just need to find the one you'll get along with.

Why do I care? I wish I could have said this to at least a hundred customers over the last 15 years or so, most I didn't have the heart to crush their dreams, others were too bull headed and egocentric to listen, and nowadays, I'm just too tired to fight it any more. Listen to all of the advice above, the other posters here are 100% right on.

"Do everything and do nothing well."