If web design is a religion, then Jeffry Zeldman is one of them Gods.
Head over and check out the interview to get a glimpse into Zeldman the man. There’s also some great advice towards the end:
Keep working, keep learning, and don’t be discouraged. Apprentice yourself to, or work with, people who know what they’re doing. Don’t settle for easy. Don’t be too lenient on your own work.
Take that to heart, word to word.