One of my goals this year was to learn how to shape the look of my blog. I’ve been doing this since 2010 and I still need to learn to create my own graphics, and I want to have a better understanding of WordPress. So in January, after years of thinking about it, I set off down that path.
First, I tried out PicMonkey, a graphics site that has been recommended by a number of bloggers. I gather their prices went up recently, which is unfortunate timing, but I’m still giving it a go. I’ve been working on a few graphics for recurring posts, like monthly wrap-ups, discussion posts, and challenge updates. It’s slow going, because I’m not sure I’m graphically inclined, but I’m working on it (it seems to me just trying has to count for something!). My husband helped by designing my new header, which is a photo of the bookstore I worked at in college (and this blog’s namesake).
I like the user interface of PicMonkey, and it has tons of different options. Maybe too many options. I was disappointed in the number of templates and ready-made pictures they provide. I’m still struggling with how to find good clip art that isn’t stealing. I’d love to hear from other bloggers – do you subscribe to a clip art service or pay to download pictures? Do you use Pinterest, and if so, how?
My next project was to look at the different themes on WordPress and see if I could find one that looked better. I decided to upgrade to Premium, hoping that would make a difference in what was available. As far as I could tell, the difference was simply that before I had to pay for my theme, now I pay a yearly fee and the themes are free.
Every time I tried a new theme, I found I really liked some aspects, but then something else looked horrible. Once you narrow down your options (e.g. must have 2-3 columns, must show post excerpts on the home page) then you’re pretty limited. I spent a day cycling through different themes, trying them out and ending up really frustrated when nothing looked like I wanted it to. After I just about tore my hair out, my husband had a great idea: find one I could live with, and then see what could be adjusted.
That led to me posting questions on the theme’s forum, resulting in a LOT of back and forth with the helpful and very-patient technical support people (for example, why were my book cover photos suddenly GIGANTIC on the screen?). I discovered there are codes you can add to adjust a lot of things, like alignment and sizing. I don’t necessarily understand the codes, but at least I know they exist. And some features I just have to live with. I’m really struggling though, with margins and how to get the graphics (book covers mostly) the size and dimensions I want them to be.
I started thinking about self-hosting, and at the same time Bookboodle wrote a great post on this topic. So I’m considering what that would mean for my blog, and if the effort might be more trouble than it’s worth. I don’t mind investing in this blog, since I’ve had it now for a good while, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. But I also have limited time and expertise, and I like the convenience of many of WordPress’ features. For all my grumpiness about format, I love WP’s Reader and statistics. Most of my readers come from WP, so I wouldn’t give that up in a minute.
Thankfully January was a nice quiet month without any travel, and even one unexpected day off (government furlough). I’ve had some time to wrap my head around this. But my head is whirling with possibilities and uncertainties.
Bloggers: I would love to hear your thoughts on self-hosting, themes, graphic design, and using clip art. I’m also interested in possibly getting professional help with the design. Any suggestions?
