NFP. I'd say that the content issue is the key here at the moment. Your site is not so bad that anyone here has torn you apart (quite an achievement if you flick through some previous posts) but there is little content there.
As far as tools go, Photoshop is an essential - if you're still a student then try and buy it now as you'll get it for a fraction of the price. A vector drawing package like Freehand or Illustrator will be worth looking at too. Try Macromedia.com for a free trial of Freehand and see how you get on with it.
Apart from tools, you just need to keep your eyes and ears open. When something flicks your switch, try and disect it. Figure out why you like it. What makes you think its a 'sweet design' as you put it. People here were talking a few days ago about keeping scrapbooks of stuff that inspires you, or stuff that simply you like. Get some books from the library, read stuff, look at stuff, make your own stuff. Then do it again. Good luck.