Where did you learn how to make web templates? I was looking to get into the web template making industry, can i get tips from any web template designers as to what i should be looking for?

Well, first make some web sites. I'd suggest learning some HTML and then buying a WYSIWYG program, I like Adobe Golive. Then just start messing around and eventually you will pick up on what looks good and what does not look good together. I'd also suggest getting an image editing software. Once again I like Adobe products so I have Adobe Photoshop. And lastly, have patience.

i have photoshop and fireworks..

which would you recomend?

have photoshop and fireworks..

which would you recomend?Both as they both do totally different things ;)

I tend to use imagemagic to slice up the PS work and then switch to fireworks to finish it off as I prefer fireworks over Imagemagic.

I would suggest heading over to:

http://www.coolhomepages.com
http://www.coolestdesigns.com
http://www.nolimitmedia.com
http://www.linkup.com

Note down the key elements of how a professional design catches your eye and how they implement it.

Be inspired. Don't rip. :)

so basically template design is knowing how to connect different graphics art to form one sleek design?

<---- Started with homestead.com ;)

ok...

so basically template design is knowing how to connect different graphics art to form one sleek design?

In a crude and basic way of saying it... Yes. :)

wonderful.. anyone know of any good books that can help me get started?

A good HTML book at your local bookstore usually teaches you quite a bit :) I have gotten a few php books their before :)

Most HTML books will help, I read one a long time ago and it was quite informative...it's quite easy to learn HTML from a book, but even easier from the net IMO. It's quite a simple language, I learnt from www.davesite.com ...