7:35 pm
783 Words
Thankyou everyone for the mind blowing comments & emails you sent in about the new layout 
! I’m super happy everyone liked it! 
I’ve had a few of you out there questioning me how i get my inspiration on making a new layout. So here I am today! Here are some quick points on how to make a faboulous personal layout for your blog, website, or myspace, my way!
Hope these super simple steps will make you guys out there open up your graphics software and whip up the most beautiful layouts ever! I would love to see the results!
Think about the colourscheme: This is always my starting point!! Think about what your favourite colours are. Which colours are you most comfortable with? … I find the Colour Lovers website absolutely super useful for this purpose! The colour templates there just immediately inspire me to create! Remember to keep in mind not to use super flashy colours that might cause an eyestrain to the users - so no bright neon green text on white backgrounds please! 
If you’re going for a quick easy layout or you’re in a hurry, then go for a two colour scheme. Black and White, Black and Red, Black and purple, White and Blue, White and Grey - you name it!!
Make Diagrams: Make a sketch on how everything will be positioned on your layout. Just visualise your layout already online - imagine how it will look on your browser. Clearly mark all the headings, where the search features will be, how much space will the main header take and where the menus will be situated … etc. It will really boost and reduce your coding time (which delights me, i think the coding is somewhat the most boring! Shhh!)!!
The Main Image header: The most fun part out of creating a new layout, for me, is most definitely the creation of the header!! I love to use either mind mapping software or head on to Wordle to make all my ideas visual & clear infront of me when i’m brainstorming! If you have no inspiration at all (how could you??!! ) on how this new header image can be, here’s a quick idea: open either the mind map software or wordle and think about yourself - then ask these questions:
- What are your hobbies?
- What do you associate yourself with?
- What’s your favourite fashion genre?
- What music do you like listening to?
- What are your favourite shapes (hearts, stars etc)?
- Do you like animals?
- What do you inspire to be when you get older?
- What makes you happy?
Write them off in your application (Wordle / mind map) & there you have it! Plenty of ideas on what to make your layout about!! Remember the colour scheme you chose in the beginning? Use those colours to help you sift through the images you’re going to be using!
Here’s what my Wordle brain storm would look like:
The Background: If you’re going for a super cluttered layout (my favourite!!) try and make your background a much more subtle. If on the other hand you have just one image in your header, then i suggest you make your background super decorated - but remember not to make the background stand out more than the actual main header image! It would look just wrong! 
Use the darkest or lightest colour in the original colour scheme chosen as your background for the best results!
What steps do you usually take to make a new website layout? Where or from who do you usually your inspiration from? 
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Last Updated: Saturday, 15 Nov @ 1:32pm
When I start thinking about a layout I usually start with just one photo which I want to use. In my current layout it was the photo of Emilie Autumn. Then I find other photos and play around in photoshop. I choose the colours based on the first photo I decided on and pretty much go from there.
I also love super cluttered layouts! I’m addicted to spatter and grunge brushes!
I always find your layouts interesting because there are so many details which you don’t notice until you sit down and take a long look at the layout. Like I’ve already said, this layout is really cool!
Angelica s last blog post .. School’s out forever - NOT!
UsingAugust 14th, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
You read my mind about the details thing!!
i like to make people come closer to the screen and yell “damn! i didn’t notice that before!” 
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
OMG! You honestly don’t know how much this is what I needed right now. I have a layout in the process and I’m stuck. Danke schon sehr gut Afef! XD
UsingAugust 14th, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
no problem Ravie! Hope to see that new layout really soon!!
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Yea, once I upgrade my WP…oops I didn’t back up all of the files. O_o Looks like I’m starting from scratch. At least I backed up my layouts, plugins, and the wp-config/index.php. XD
Hey what are the new plugins here you’re using? I really like this reply to comments on. I also like that share and enjoy thingy. XD
UsingAugust 16th, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
wow Afef, I really enjoyed reading that! Sounds like great stuff! So well, here’s what I go through, basically.
UsingI think of something I like, basically. Something that also sorta reflects me. I used to make layouts of celebrities, then I just got over it. Most of the time I use my own photos. I love taking pictures, so I take my camera with me everywhere. If I see something I like, usually part of nature, I try and take a picture knowing that I’ll be able to make a layout out of it. Cluttered layouts, I’m not sure about whether I like them for my own site or not but they look splendid on yours! I also used to like drawing them.
When I think of colours I usually think of my favourite colours, or if I have a photo I think of colours that will go with that.
When I code, I usually key in different colours, see how they look, so I experiment with my coding to match the layout. I always make the entire layout first knowing where everything will go, then edit my CSS and etc accordingly.
Hope that wasn’t too boring.. xDD
August 15th, 2008 @ 2:46 am
omgzz this layout is hawt! <3
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 3:21 am
thats an interesting way to making a layout. I usually start out making the header image and then modify the colours and then finally put it into layout form. LOL. its pretty bad i think for making a good layout i just like making the headers only though.
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 9:43 am
The first thing I noticed about your site was your talent at making layouts… this one made my eyeballs pop outta my head (not literally of course). Anyway, loving the updates. You’re mah digi-muse.
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Awwwwwwwww *blush*
you’re so sweet!
UsingAugust 15th, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
Great tips! Especially the mind map one, I think I’m gonna do that next time I design a layout.
UsingYour new layout is amazing
x
August 15th, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
That’s so cool. Love your new layout.
UsingAugust 16th, 2008 @ 7:15 am
Wow! Those are really great tips! I’m definitely going to be using those when I start making a new layout :-) Thank you so much for sharing your techniques!
Hope you’re having a wonderful day! <3
UsingAugust 16th, 2008 @ 10:00 am
ooolala, new layout?
its so pretty!
Usinghow’ve you been?
August 17th, 2008 @ 6:12 am
Oopps, I was late. XD I love your layout!
Euri s last blog post .. My History of Web Developing
UsingAugust 17th, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
I always love your layouts and this one is no exception! Excellent job once again! My inspiration usually comes out of nowhere and I just try and make it as close to the visualization in my mind as possible. That doesn’t always work out for me though and I sometimes make something else I like just as much as my mental masterpieces. You probably are already aware of my typical website layouts….
Wyther s last blog post .. Bad, Wyther, Bad!!
UsingAugust 18th, 2008 @ 3:06 am
Great talent with the blend of cool creativity. Well done.
Your 2 metre away friend.
I’m off to eat some beanies… buhahah
UsingAugust 19th, 2008 @ 11:00 pm
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UsingAugust 28th, 2008 @ 2:48 pm