Practicing your web design

Some people like to take an already existing website and see how they can make it better. This is actually a very good idea. As long as you don't publish it. it might be a good idea to ask the sit owner(s) or designer if you can use it for your own progressive purposes. Some people might pay you to change it and publish it. But not always. NEVER publish a site you altered without permission because you could get sued. As a designer, you should continuously practice. Practice makes perfection. Also ask if the owner(s) if there is anything that they definitely want on the site. Always make sure to ask the big designer questions to a client. What are you looking for? What is the subject? Anything specific? etc... Now go get 'em!