Hi Nate,
You have to practice, a lot, to get comfortable with the design process. Try to reproduce sites/apps you like without checking their source code too often. In this way you will discover and learn new techniques.
After you get pretty skilled in doing this, try an pick some designs from Dribbble.com and implement them. Once you get to this point, I think you will be in a good position with your design skills.
I hope it helps.