For those of you who are visiting my site, you’ll notice that I’m experimenting with a new design. This is actually one of the themes that I was working on for release, however I’ve decided that I would like to use it here. I really like my old design, but I’m thinking it’s time for a change. I’ve included a picture for those reading via feedreader or email. Come on by the site and check out the design.

Unfortunately, there are still a few bugs I’ve run into that I’m trying to work out. I *think* I have most IE issues worked out. I’m having a small problem with the header displaying correctly in the Opera browser. I hope to get that fixed right away.

If everyone would just use Firefox, life would be so much easier.

If I were to say “The Golden Arches”, would you know what company I’m referring to? I’m guessing you know exactly the company I’m talking about, without even giving it a second thought.

Would you recognize which auto company is the “Heartbeat of America”? Is there a certain insurance company that makes you think of a duck?

These are all examples of Branding…….that little something that makes a product or service stand out in your mind. I’ve always basically known what branding was, but never really knew anything about it. Shane Navratil, the author of one of my favorite blogs, Zoomstart, has just put out an eBook about branding that is quite impressive. From it’s very professional looks, to the great content, it’s very well put together. The cool thing is, it’s not just about blog branding……….it’s business branding. Branding a product, a service, a blog, or even yourself – the same rules apply. The contents include:

• How Branding Works
• Defining Your Brand
• Designing Your Brand
• Promoting Your Brand
• Branding Resources

Although the book has a lot of great information, it’s not so long that it takes forever to read. As a matter of fact, it’s about fifteen pages that you can easily read in one sitting. Now to get all this information, how much does it cost?…………..just a quick visit to Zoomstart.com. No tricks, no gimmicks, no money. The book is absolutely free, so what are you waiting for?

It’s been very interesting for me to watch others use the themes I’ve created for their sites. There’s an element of excitement that I’m not sure I could describe. It has something to do with having the initial idea for the theme, spending the hours it takes to form it, and then watching as the world accepts it.

I’ve been interested in Web Design for about the past year and a half……or maybe two years. That was actually the whole reason I built a website in the beginning – way before I got a blog. The day I discovered Blogger, was the day I modified my first blog theme. Ever since then, I’ve tried modifying every design that I’ve had…….and a bunch of them I never even used. In the process I started realizing how a WordPress theme works. So, naturally, I had to make one.

So, why make themes and offer them for free? There are several reasons that come to mind, some more important than others. The main reasons would include:

• Incoming Links
• Practice to Improve
• Creative Outlet
• Fun……….?
• Hopefully to bring me attention

That first one is important to anyone who offers free themes. You get to use the theme in exchange for letting me have my link in the footer. It’s been amazing to me how many people have activated one of my themes – and immediately took my link out of the footer. I’ve probably been guilty of doing the same thing (before I knew better). But, that can be a little discouraging.

As far as bringing attention my way, let me explain what I mean by that. The thought of doing freelance design appeals to me very much. I can only assume if I happen to build a theme that’s a hit(meaning that it becomes popular), then it can only bring opportunity my way. So in essence, attention = opportunity. Opportunity is a good thing any way you slice it!

I hope that sheds some light, if my recent design projects have thrown anyone for a loop. The ideas have been in the works for a long time. I already have two more themes that are almost ready. I may wait a while and spread the release of these out a little further apart. I’m excited about both of them. They’re very different from each other, yet are both very visually stimulating. I’m also *considering* redesigning this site, and offering this design. I’m undecided though, because I get a lot of compliments for it. We shall have to wait and see what the future holds…………