try creating something on a specific resolution...
800x600, 1024x768.
Try using gradients. First off try some tutorials to get a feel for some things.
http://www.good-tutorials.com (New Design)
Each artist/designer has there own special techniques and things that they like to use or do.
http://www.colorlovers.com/
Go there and look at some of the color palettes and this will give you some ideas about what colors to use and what colors look good.
For fonts try using Tahomo and Verdana.
And I would try to use a little bit lighter background color. It to me is a bit bright.