Go to the local high school or, if you live in a college town, college and find out if they have a Japanese program. Ask the instructor to confirm what the kanji means and ALL of the kanji's meanings. For example, you could get the kanji for free, but it would mean free as in free product instead of freedom. If you want something in hiragana or katakana PM me the word and I'll get it for you
BTW, about katakana being ugly, I think it has more power and emphasis on each stroke. There are exceptions but as a general rule I like katakana more