Depends on what you want. I do web design Checkout
http://masternerd.com for example.
My layouts are completely custom.
Here is what you need
1. A website Hosting Package(I can refer you to a few good ones)
2. Communicate what you would like your site to include.
3. An FTP Program
I can work on graphics, content, navigation and put it into a package you can upload onto the web server. Let me know what you think.
Another option is to use CMS, do a google for xoops for more info, it bascially builds a content based site for you all you need to do is add the content. This is a great alternative to a static site since there is virtually no time spent designing the site. To add features you just need to add pre-made modules. If you want to keep tabs on members a CMS also has a login feature which can be used to maintain a mailing list.
By the way Xoops is free! I use it here for an example
http://dff.masternerd.com