If you can do design, but also understand how to optimize that design with things like google web optimizer you will be on your way to having a niche.<p>Beautiful graphic design is only half (or less) the battle.  Many people also cannot afford a designer with 10 years of experience and a great portfolio.<p>Take a look around some of the best web apps, and many of them aren't 'pretty' but they are well designed.  I'd even put basecamp in that lot.  You can use simpler designs to your advantage.