Help?

This post has two purposes. One, to show of one of my two new icons. And two, because I would like to ask for help from anyone on my friends list who is experienced with making layouts for LJ.

I want to make a really cool layout for my LiveJournal... Because, well, I figure as long as I'm going to be paying for it, I might as well make it look as nifty as I can.

So, does anyone know how to do this? Just the basics, even? I'd really appreciate the help if anyone can offer it. Please?