When I first started blogging, I thought it was just a matter of writing. However, when I started blogging for the Bangor Daily News, they wanted me to put some sort of title image up, so I threw something together and ended up with this header:
About a year ago, I branched off from my BDN blog to start an independent one, with the knowledge that writing is something I want to pursue long-term. I made a new header that looked like this:
Over the past year, I’ve discovered how much more there is to blogging than the writing. Of course, the writing is the most important part, but there’s a ton of other stuff that goes into it if you want to be successful.
One of those things is the overall ‘look’ of the blog. Like it or not, first impressions are important. For the past few months, I’ve been considering a redesign that looks more professional, but since I’m terrible at anything design-related, I’ve gone back and forth about a million times about what I want it to look like.
A picture? No picture? What colors? Something really simple? What can I do to make it represent me, but more importantly, the blog?
Thankfully, my amazing friend Kristen (who, I learned, has an infinite supply of patience) kept playing around with and sending me ideas. Then she got in touch with her friend Rob, who designed the header for her blog, Mommy in Sports.
During his Sunday morning sketch time (Can you imagine? I wish I had even a shred of that talent!), he put something together that perfectly represents both me and the blog.
That woman in the picture… she’s me. But I hope through my writing that you feel like she’s you too.
I am thrilled to reveal my new blog design. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Thank you Kristen and Rob! If it weren’t for the two of you, I’d still be hemming and hawing over what to do. And thank you to Aaron, my blog guy, for actually getting it up and running!
Christine says
It looks amazing! I think it totally captures your spirit!
Lauren says
Thank you! Yeah, I was amazed by how perfect it is for me, colors and everything. I love it!
Echo says
Tis GORGEOUS!
Lauren says
Right?
Judy says
Love the new look! I have been enjoy your blog AND Facebook page! 🙂
Judy says
I love the new look! Great job! I am enjoyiong your blog AND Facebook page. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks Judy!!
Savanna says
It looks great!! I love everything about it- very nice!
Lauren says
Thanks!!
Kristen says
YAY! LOVE what you chose to use…so happy to help! Sincerely!
Lauren says
Well I appreciate it sincerely!
Tricia says
Im on my mobile and your site looks great! It’s so pretty and clean. Great job. I can’t wait to get to my desktop to check it out more.
Lauren says
Thanks Tricia! Clean was high on my list, so I’m glad you think it looks that way!
Herchel S says
I love it! The header is perfect and beautiful!
Lauren says
Thanks Herchel! I’m really happy with it!
Tove Maren says
this is so you – or at least what I perceive as you! I love it – gorgeous! Congratulations!!!
Lauren says
Isn’t that funny? I never talked to him about it at all and he got the colors and everything just right.
Michelle says
love the brand development! And, you inspired me to get my own blog up and running…. Been dragging my feet a bit!
Lauren says
Ooh, that’s exciting!
JenEverAfter says
Love it! But does that mean you can’t ever cut your hair?? ;o)
Lauren says
Haha! Maybe I need a few versions of the girl. I can swap her out depending on my haircut 😉
Susanne/The Dusty Parachute says
I absolutely love it – It looks amazing!
Lauren says
Thanks Susanne!
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says
I love this! Your team of wonderful helpers did a great job. I’ve been thinking for a long time that I need to do the same…
Lauren says
They really did!! You should go for it! I thought about it FOREVER before taking the plunge, but I’m so glad I did.
becka says
I was just about to send you a message on facebook telling you how much I like your new look! It’s VERY nice!
Lauren says
Thanks Becka! I’m really happy with how it turned out!
Caryn says
I think your new look is amazing. It’s clean, crisp and sounds like it is perfectly you. Congrats.