I've actually just started in the web design field and I like it, its something to do. I normally charge per design and often go low on pricing just to work with one's budget.

However, at times i've charged about $20-25/hr. Just for starting, and the beginning i began to do FREE work, just because i didnt think about using my services as a resource. So i would spend hours on a design that i wasnt even getting paid for. So I showed some designs to my dad, and he said "How much did you get paid?" I was like "Paid?" I didnt. Silence broke out. He said I should waste my time doing free work and should at least put my talent to use, so I did.

I'm still learning and getting better as I go, but still want to go on the right road and not cheat myself as well.