For those who are looking to create cutting edge web pages there are some tools that everyone should have at their disposal. They run the gamut from graphic design to coding, and each one serves an important purpose.
1. Adobe Photoshop
2. Adobe Illustrator
3. Adobe Fireworks
4. Adobe Dreamweaver
5. Textmate
6. Drupal CMS
7. WordPress CMS
8. Firebug (Firefox Add-On)
9. HTML Knowledge
10. CSS Knowledge
11. Javascript Knowledge
12. Flash Knowledge
13. SQL Proficiency
14. PHP Proficiency
15. Microsoft Office Products
16. Web Design for Dummies Book
17. PHP and SQL Bible
18. Flash Bible
19. HTML Cross Compatibility Knowledge (from version 4.0 on)
20. Online Forums
Using all of these tools will make it possible for you to only be successful but also creative when it comes to creating web pages for clients. You must always take advantage of the knowledge of others wherever possible as well, and this can be done through the use of online forums. There is always someone else out there who has had a similar problem and is more than happy to help you out for free. This is a cooperative community, so be sure to contribute your own expertise as well.