Question about what templates can do

I am going to have some one build me a custom template for the store I am creating, and was wondering what all templates can do. I just want to make sure I understand them completely. The way I understand it, it will create the complete layout of colors, fonts, etc. for every page within zencart. But what I am wondering is, instead of just having it change the background colors, etc, and having a list of the categories and other info on the sidebars or header, can they also be made to create those category listings in a more unique way. For example, lets say there is a photographers store. Instead of just listing the categories either on the side or on top in a regular font, could a template be made so that each category would appear in a little box that looks like a photograph? Would that be something that a template would do, or would it have to be in somewhere else? And if it is a template, if you were to add more categories later on, would they automatically appear in a photograph? The reason I am asking is because most of these stores I see look very similar with just different colors and fonts, but still the typical list of categories.

With enough imagination, skill and knowledge almost anything is possible.

to do what you want, you should be able to locate
category-top in your template css and add a BG image to it,
make sure that you make it big enough that all of your cagegories will center on it

Ok, I don't know much about css or anything but it sounds like this should be easy enough for someone designing a template for me. So I guess the other thing I should ask is, since templates are universal throughout the site, would it be ok to have a template built before I have the store set up, or even before I figure out exactly how I am going to have it laid out then?

I am sure your designer would like a pretty good idea of the layout before beginning any design work.

Also - you will be much better off with a designer that is familiar with how Zen Cart works.

Yeah I was wondering about having someone familiar with zencart design it. I had someone design a logo for me and I am really happy with it and they had great communication and everything. They are web designers and offered to design a template for zencart at a pretty resonable price and even sent a quick example of what they had in mind and I liked it. However, they have never worked with zencart before but said they could make one because they have something that will convert a template to work with zencart. They said they wanted to learn about it anyways so they can start making templates for it because they have been having more requests for it. I am a little worried in case I have some problems or something that they will not be able to help me. I don't know, what do you think? Is this a good idea or not?

they have never worked with zencart before but said they could make one because they have something that will convert a template to work with zencart.

Im not aware of any Magic wand that will convert anythng to a zen cart template,

Merlinpa1969:

Im not aware of any Magic wand that will convert anythng to a zen cart template,

Hmm, does anyone else know anything about this?