This past Friday, I participated in my first Blog Hop (the one hosted by Crazy for Books), where the participant question was about favorite elements of a blog. I responded that I most enjoy the book reviews; what a notion! ^_^ And while I absolutely believe that "content is king, " I must admit that one of the elements that really interests me is a blog's visuals.
The look and layout of a blog can so often be part of the fun and enjoyment of visiting. I love getting to see the unique styles and reflections of a blogger's personality. It's a bit like themed rooms in a house. Sure, ultimately what one needs and wants is a bed to sleep on / tub to bathe in / stove to cook on...but how fun is it to play with visuals, and enjoy the beauty in the practical?
I looked for some time before I found the current template that I'm using for my blog, and then made a few minimal adjustsments (my html skills are in dire need of an update!). And I have further ideas about how I'd like this space to reflect my vibe, all of which are currently either in my head or sketched into my precious "book-notebook" (more on that at another time). Hopefully I can one day code my way to that goal. Or find a blog designer.
And speaking of designers. I found one that I am in luuuurve with. The duo over at April Showers Blog Design are mad-genius-people. ^_^ April's (the namesake and designer) designs are clean and focused, and draw the eye immediately. They're fun and playful. They reflect a uniqueness in each design they do. If I can scrounge up the change for it, you best believe I'll take it all to these ladies!!!! ^_^
And as for book blog designs I mega dig...I love Parajunkie's View, Zelda's Bookshelf, Escape Between the Pages, The Bookish Snob, Book Lovers, Inc., Smexy Books (though I think it might be all the hot mens there lol), and several others. I love the simplicity of Sniffly Kitty's place, and I love the frenetic energy of Larissa's. I love the subtle changes for the holidays. It's like blog DNA! (or rNA, I dunno). So much fun.
How about you? Are the visuals of a blog of interest to you? What aspects do you enjoy most? Are there blogs whose designs you particularly like?
TMST
11 hours ago
For me it is not easy to explain. It works a bit like picking out a greeting card, which I am quite good at. I need some sort of connection. With your blog and others I follow because I like what the blogger is doing, share likes and dislikes or relate in some way or another. I never know.
ReplyDelete-James
I wanted to read the next book (Clementine), but it was a limited edition print from Subterranean Press. The one after that called Dreadnought I might read. The different books are supposed to focus on other characters so Boneshaker is pretty much a stand-alone that establishes the world.
ReplyDeleteSniffly Kitty
Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books
New Meme: Third Sentence Thursday!