Welding may be common, but the welder doesn't have to be. How you approach your work makes all the difference. You can be that guy watching the clock, putting in the time and collecting a check, or you can set a higher standard. Scott Raabe is one of the other guys, he takes his work very seriously and turns out welds that make you stop and take notice.
Some time back I wrote a review of Cal Newport's book, So Good They Can't Ignore You and another on deliberate practice. Here's a great example of taking a skill that's used everywhere and applying those principles.
Geez, that's nice work!
Scott Raabe's weld gallery via Make
Here are a few other guys that can weld pretty good, too! welding pr0n