What complete drab. The photographer dictates the quality of the image, not the negligible image optics of a kit lens vs. a pancake 40mm.

Studying composition theory, understanding light and intelligently working with post production will get you stellar images irrespective of the lens you use;

http://500px.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=18-55mm&typ...

edit: Actually, seeing his article peppered with referral links just pulls the truth of this article to the forefront. Do not take this advice of spending more money on 'higher end' equipment thinking it'll produce something better.