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I wholeheartedly agree with you, I'm really interested in a partnership with someone that can lead the design (and not just the art).

In my world though, I don't even know how to start getting friends that are artsy. Any good suggestions there?

Check with your local AIGA chapter. The very best designers are usually affiliated with the AIGA.

You could also call up a print shop. They know plenty of print designers, though to be fair they're not always up on web design.