My New Blog Template

I looked at about a dozen blog template websites, including the ones provided in the lesson and a few others. I finally decided on this one from Mashable.

The new template uses a 3 column layout. It is very different from the other layout, considering the style, colors, and general layout. The grid is a 3-column grid as well, with a large center column and narrow right and left columns for sidebar information.

As far as contrast goes, in some ways, this layout is very low contrast, but it does use a darker shade of green to highlight the heading area. The flowers trailing over the top and sides also provide a sense of unity as they tie things together.

The size of the header title and post titles keep the reader focused and keep the eye moving in the right direction.

While this template is very busy, the use of space is done in a manner that keeps the focus where it needs to be, but in a more relaxed manner than some other blog templates I looked at. This was the look and feel that I wanted.

As far as proximity, on this template, besides using a different green to designate the sidebar and header, the information within the columns is centered. I also noticed that the template, for the most part, when sized down, tries to keep the center column and "surrenders" the right sidebar if necessary. Therefore, as a designer it would be critical to put the least important information in that right sidebar.

Repetition is used heavily on this template, from the various greens to the repetition of the floral flourishes. If you look at the sidebar, the flourish shadows over into the sidebar. In the center column, the flourish element is repeated in a faded white, adding more depth and dimension to the design.

Overall, I really like this design. I think that it is a strong example of how one can get creative. I would dearly LOVE to learn how to make these kinds of blog templates, for my own blog, where I post on a regular basis. I use Wordpress, so these designs
are not always available. I'm really looking forward to learning more in this class!

Edited template design analysis

I started with the Tic Tac blog layout. When I had Minima Lefty, as in the tutorials, there was no way to change the font in the post title, so I went to Tic Tac, which is a blog template that I love the colors on.

Before starting on my analysis, I removed the bold on the body text, which we applied in a tutorial as I wanted my comments to be able to have bold. I left the remaining changes, but wanted to explain my design decision and why I veered from the exercise.

This blog template has 2 columns. It has a large left column for posts, and a narrower right column for Links and other sidebar items.

The grid for this blog template is a three column grid, with 2 columns being used for the posts and one column for the sidebar, or informational items.

For contrast, this template has a darker blue header, which makes it stand out from the rest of the page. Additionally, the date is in a vivid orange, making it another eye-catching element to associate with the start of a new post. Also, although the rest of the blog uses the Georgia font, the title has purposely been made Verdana, to hold it apart from the rest of the page.

For size, the headings are large, making them stand out. Additionally, since the first thing you want the reader to do is read your post, the posts take up the most space on the page.

For space, there is a decent amount of white space, and, in this particular case, a soft blue background differentiates the blog from the background of the actual screen, adding more interest and dimension. The use of a subtle blue adds unity to the design because it ties in with the blog template.

As for proximity, the dates are placed cloes to the posting so that the two are tied together. On the sidebar, dingbats that coordinate with the template designate bullet items.

Repetition on this template is everywhere. From the choices of colors, to the graphic that is repeated throughout the template, from the header to the sidebar bullets.

My Favorite Website

I've been a web surfer for a long time. I have also been a blogger for about three years. Having said that, my favorite website, today, is Facebook. I visit this site just about everyday and I have reconnected with friends, both old and new, on Facebook.

I would have to say that I consider my time on Facebook relaxing and that it is a part of my day that I look forward to.

All about me

My name is September and I have a BA in English from San Jose State. I am taking Graphic Design classes at Foothill to add more depth to my "professional toolbox.

I am employed full time at VMware in Palo Alto as a Technical Writer in the IT department. I write primarily online documentation for internally developed applications that are used internally. I work on a team full of web folks, and I want to get a better understanding of web stuff so that I can take on some of the smaller projects and help out!

I've been a blogger since 2006. My blog is on our family site at radecki.net/1000_words. It focuses on my scrapbooking, photography and family, with some forays, usually into my graphic design classes.

I am really excited about this class and looking forward to learning lots. I'd *love* to learn how to create my OWN blog templates!