ZetaPrints

Hands up, it has to be Magento, even without mentioning that a healthy throng of extensions are being continuously developed and made available (mostly for free) to add functionality to your e-commerce site-- well, when you get to that part, anyway. =)

These are either free or really cheap to set-up, but I haven't tried them so I wouldn't know if they're any good. But you may want options, so here goes -- sitesell eCrater OnlineBusinessClassifieds InternetBusinessClassifieds tucktail

I think I wanna agree with LYKC on this one. PayPal Buy Button seems to be all you need for the seasonal selling of a few merchandise. Buy Now is said to be very easy to set up and cheaper compared to a shopping cart. Unless you intend to sell more-- and on a regular basis, this may be the what you're looking for.

I use Magento and I recommend Magento. Steep learning curve if you're new, but worth your while in the end. Visit their main website for documentation and other resources if you decide to go for it. The forum support's (kinda) great (sometimes). =)

Here are other payment processors you may want to check out. I do not know for sure if each one still works and if they serve your exact need. 2CheckOut authorizenet BTClick&Buy CCAvenue CCBill CCNow ClickBank Gate2Shop Google Checkout iBill iKobo InstaBill Jettis Kagi Moneybookers MultiCards NoChex PartyKey PayDirect Pay-Line Paymate Paypoint ProPay Reg.Net RegNow RegSoft Share*It Skypay SWREG Verotel

You may also want to try jrox.

Magento Go is overpriced, but the main downside is you can't have extensions there.

Can anyone suggest other sites similar to webrankstats.com? Sitelike.com says there are none at the moment.

I second Monie, for raster images your best move is to use Interpolation, and if you're working with logos with minimal colors and details, then vector is okay as suggested by Jellypie. Keep in mind that often there's a "cartoony" effect when you convert raster to vector.

IF you really want a career, this is no time to think of your social life... And yes 3 months without pay might make you unhappy but think about what it will do to your resume. Industry experience (like with an established company) is simply valued more than freelance stints. If you do get the offer, i think you should go for it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

I'd suggest .Net applications and then SQL.

Since you're keen on learning Gimp, how about you visit this good Gimp tutorial sites (source: best-reviewer.com/best-review-top-5-best-gimp-tutorial-websites.htm) ghuj.com - Aside from Gimp, on this site you can also learn about other tricks and tips on web design, drawing and special effects. puteraaladin.blogspot.com - the site offers Gimp tutorials as well as blogs on graphic design gimp-tutorials.netScott Photographics - Gimp tutorials and resources like brushes, are available on this site scottphotographics.com/category/tutorials/gimp - site has original Gimp tutorials garmahis.com/tutorials/gimp-tutorials - A collection of 70 Gimp tutorials from all over the internet can be found here Hope this helps.

And exactly what's your criteria for aesthetics and usability?

Novices might be more prone to committing these common-sometimes thought-to-be-negligible mistakes, but Pro's likewise should be reminded from time to time about the Do's and Dont's of Graphic Design. Let me share 8 tips from the blog of DEIDRE M. BASTIAN - Don't overlook the small stuff (tribune242.com/business/04072011_Art-of-Graphix_business_Page2-Lead) 1. Colour Moderation DON'T use loud and conflicting colour schemes so harshly. DO try selecting only two or three colours that evoke the mood of a business. 2. Underline DON'T use the underline feature; only for hyper links on the web is this acceptable. Underlining and italicising text at the same time is redundant. 3. Designing Logos DO design Logos in Photoshop. Logos are designed in vector format, so designing in Illustrator is appropriate. 4. White Spacing DO provide ample space around all outer edges of the production in both web and print designs as white spaces provide a place for the eyes to rest while the brain receives the message. 5. Double Spacing DON'T double space after a period, as the layout program will do it for you by way of automatic kerning. 6. Cut and Paste Ads DON'T deliver cut and paste ads. Considering the cost of ads, businesses receive the short end of the stick when they receive this type of substandard output. 7. Proper scanning DO scan Line Art at 100 per cent of the finished size at a minimum of 600 dpi and halftones (photographs) at 300 dpi. DON'T use file compression when saving your scans. 8. Benefits rather than feature DO remember the design principle KISS -- Keep It Simple Stupid. Bastian further adds that designers also commit the mistake of underselling themselves, forgetting to sign a contract before starting a job, and taking for granted the "self-marketing value" of enclosing a contact information in their design jobs.