Keep Your Blog Design Simple: Focus On Content – Allyssa Barnes

Meet the Blog Designer, Allyssa Barnes

I think I discovered Allyssa Barnes Web Design about a year ago when it was still called Barn Blog.

She always shares some great design tips and inspiration that I decided to follow her on Twitter.

In the last few months, we’ve become more acquainted on Twitter and she always has something beautiful or useful to share.

This post is the second of the Meet the Blog Designer series. If you’d like to see other interviews in this series, just click that link. 😉

About You

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you get started in web/blog design? How long have you been doing it for?

I first became interested in web design back in high school. LiveJournal was popular at the time and I was bored with the templates they provided so I set out to learn how to create one of my own. That interest led me to study computer science and interactive multimedia in college. So all in all. I’ve been designing sites in one form or another for over 10 years!

Do you have your own business or do you freelance on the side while working full time?

I design websites full time! I started my business a little over a year ago after quitting a job I was unhappy with. It was a huge leap, but I’m making it work!

What blogging platforms do you prefer to work with?

I only work with self hosted WordPress, that’s how much I love it! It’s such a great platform and you can do so much with it. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s incredibly user friendly once you get the basics down.

What type of clients do you look for? Do you specialize in a certain market? Any particular reason why?

I look for clients who are excited about having a web presence and are willing to have an open mind when it comes to designing their site. The small business owners and bloggers who I work with are serious about what they do and are willing to invest in a design that will take their site to the next level. They also have a decent idea of what they’re looking for and aren’t coming into the design process blind.

You recently redesigned your own blog. Would you mind sharing with us your process: How you came upon the final decision for your design, what factors you took into consideration, etc?

I knew I wanted to create a strong brand, so I set out to create a color and font palette that would make my brand recognizable. From there, I kept things basic and focused on usability in terms of site layout. I wanted my site to be easy to read and easily navigable.

My homepage was the last piece of the puzzle. I struggled with whether or not my blog should be on the homepage, but in the end I decided to use it to sell my services. The design process is never done though — I’m always tweaking things to make things work better.
Great choice, I looove your homepage! – Marianne

Your Thoughts on Design and Redesigns

What is your favorite part about redesigning a blog or website?

My favorite part is seeing everything come together in the end. At times, designing a site is like a puzzle, so I love the sense of satisfaction I get when it pulls itself together and my hard work pays off.

What do you feel is the most important thing to keep in mind when redesigning a blog?

Less is more and white space is your friend. You may want to go crazy, but the focus should be on your content. Your design just frames it.

What is your method for selecting a color palette?

My first stop is usually Design Seeds or Pinterest for inspiration. From there I’ll pick a color (or colors) that match the mood I’m hoping to convey. Usually then I’ll end up opening up Adobe Illustrator* and playing with different color combos until I get one that feels right. It’s a lot of trial and error!

What is your method for selecting a font palette?

Selecting a font palette is usually a lot easier than choosing a color palette. I usually focus on one font for the accents. Then I’ll select a body font that coordinates. I also utilize different font styles and weights for a little variation.

What advice do you have for a blogger who wants to do a few small touches to their blog’s design to spruce it up?

Sometimes a few small changes can make a big difference! Focus on cleaning up your colors and fonts (less is more!) and space things out. Remove your background image and/or clean up your sidebar to give an airier feeling.

What are your favorite trends in blog design at the moment?

I love the minimal design trend and the focus on typography. Well placed and designed text always draws me in!

What blog design trends do you wish would go away?

Pop ups! It seems like they’re everywhere nowadays. Between asking me to sign up for your newsletter, to telling me to like your Facebook page, to having me follow you on Pinterest, it gets to be too much. Supposedly they work though, so I can’t argue with that, but boy are they annoying!

What is your biggest pet peeve about the design of some blogs?

When sites don’t have easily accessible menus. If I can’t find your menu in 2 seconds, you have a problem.

Also, a home link in your menu is soooo important! Even if your header/logo links to your homepage, a home link in your menu is still beneficial. You don’t know how many times I’ll click off a site after reading an interesting post, just because there is no home link anywhere. Your readers are lazy. Make it easy for them!

Is there anything you feel people spend too much time on (in terms of design) that is really not that important?

I think the actual design of the site isn’t as important as people think. As long as you have a site with plenty of white space and you limit your font/color choices, you’ll be good.

Wrappin’ It Up

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us about design?

Good design doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes people get hung up on flashy graphics and cool features, but that’s not necessary for good design. Focus on picking out 1-2 fonts and colors. Clear the clutter. White space is your friend. Do that and I promise you you’ll have a decent design with little effort.

Also, design isn’t just about making something pleasing to the eye. It’s about human interaction and ease of use. Design first for usability. If no one can navigate your site easily, then your design is a failure, no matter how pretty it may be.

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?

I love “meeting” people online, so stop by my blog or say hello on Twitter (I may or may not be addicted…)

Awesome Allyssa, thank you so much for joining us here on DYOB today!

Folks be sure to check out Allyssa’s beautiful new website redesign, it’s gorgeous, really!

Join in the Convo!

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