Portrait photography?

I want to get into portrait photography. I enjoy being creative, but my artistic abilities are not so great. I'm hoping photography could be that creative outlet. This is not for a business or anything like that. I'm definitely new to photography and simply want to have fun with it.

I own 2 older Nikon digital slr's. The D50 and D3100, and I have a few old film slr's that produce awesome images. I understand the bare basics as far as iso, aperature, shutter speed, and white balance. I can compose a decent shot that is exposed well. My question is how do I go from producing everyday run of the mill shots to something dramatic and nice to look at? I've been experimenting with lighting but I don't want the plain olan mills family portrait look. I really like the look of the hollywood glamour shots of the 50's. Obviosly these were produced by pros but as far as lighting goes what can I use without spending thousands of dollars on professional equipment? I've been researching lighting setups for beginners, and i've considered buying a cheap amazon beginner lighting set. Any helpful hints for a clueless newbie?

Added (1). Thanks for the feedback. The word "client" doesn't have anything to do with me taking photographs. I think for some photography could be an art, for others it's a meticulous undertaking that results in getting a check to pay the bills. My question for the most part pertained to lighting.

Portrait photography for the most part is not creative, edgy, etc. Portrait photography is about nailing a limited variety of poses and doing them over and over for different clients. Most portrait photographers don't shoot portraiture for creativeness, they do it because that's what clients pay for.

I think available light gives the best results.

Whether you are producing art or not, the model is a de facto client.

"Getting into portrait photography" is a commercial enterprise.

If your goal is really art, I suggest you ask your art instructor to explain lighting, perhaps traditional portrait lighting, so you can better choose which lights you need.

As a novice, learning how to light not only portraits but other subjects as well is easiest done using continuous lighting of some type

http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmu/ has some GREAT resources and classes.

I would also get a 50mm or 35mm 1.8 lens. They are both pretty inexpensive. You can't go wrong with either. ONCE you master them, get an 85mm lens for portraiture.

Lightroom is an essential as well.

I'm jumping in late here even though you've already chosen a Best Answer cos I think no one has actually answered your question.

I take portraits but enjoy playing with lighting. A couple of cheap manual speedlights (I use YN 560's), radio triggers, stands and a softbox wouldn't cost the earth (£100 total).

Have a look at the Strobist site to learn how to light. I certainly wouldn't rely on available light only - too limiting.
http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html?m=1