need help with sophisticated html email design

I sure get enough spam email with all sorts of bell’s and whistles working when I open it, now I need to send an eye-catching email myself — not spam — to a small group of people. Is there a how-to resource out there about producing sophisticated html email (way above the “…For Dummies” level)? I’m no newbie with html design for web page development, but finding what works in an Outlook email doc is proving frustrating. Tnx in advance for any help offered. – Jim