The web has been transformed.  The graphic artists and designers have won - they are free from many of the technical constraints and dependencies.  If you would like to see what this freedom means - one of the best sites to visit is Zen Garden.

This is a site where graphic designers present their best.  I do not do what they do but I often find techniques that make for superior web sites.  I learn from my superiors.

Another site worth reading, if you are interested in web design, accessibility and effectiveness is A List Apart.  Some articles are technical, some will inform you that you can get what you want, some are calls to produce better, easier to use web work.  I find real value here for my work and try to apply it to making better sites for others.