Designing & Blogging a Creative Existence

After Brian went to bed last night, I stayed up a while longer, still a bit charged up. I began with the intention of researching and possibly deciding on a new humidifier that really need as the Winter dryness is already settling in. Over the past week or so, I've been researching the various types that are out there, and I didn't realize there were just that many! I might save the details of that for another post, but suffice to say, I ended up veering off in a totally different direction that felt surprising and familiar at the same time.

I somehow got to thinking about the future of this blog, and ironically, if this is even going to continue being the home base. I largely started it up again here, as it was already established from years ago, sitting dormant ever since. It's also part of the Google environment, in which my digital footprint is so firmly planted. My enthusiasm to just hit the ground running with writing again superceded any serious blog options and overall design and aesthetics. I will say that it feels pretty basic in terms of layouts, themes and features, but it is also a free product, so that probably speaks to that fact. 

To that end, I also revisited a design app called Canva, which I had utilized ages ago for a work project, but nothing since. Somehow, I started noodling around with different design options, and created one small graphic that I ultimately saved as a potential prototype that has some pretty sleek animation elements. I've been pretty geeked and admiring my work off and on all day! LOL!

As I was sitting in the dark, dangerously losing precious sleep time, it all came flooding back to me just how fun and relaxing designing can be. Just as I have with writing, I have taken to design/coloring/drawing in massive fits and spurts. Make no mistake - I am not claiming to be a graphic/digital artist, nor am I applying any coding elements or what's considered to be 'gold standard' design methods. Something about the-sky's-the-limit design choices is hardly overwhelming to me - I love taking the time and effort to make it just so. For that reason, I probably wouldn't hack it as an actual designer in the working world - my self-proclaimed OCD, anal nature would likely not mesh well with quick turnarounds and artwork deadlines. 

And that's ok! I have the freedom to experiment, tweak, redo to my heart's desire. Canva has a lot to offer, but I am not entirely sure it's completely what I want. I'll need to explore some more and how the graphic design aspect will come into play as the blog continues and evolves. My suspicion is that I may end up using different elements from multiple resources, or I may find a one-stop-shop in terms of blogging potential that's artistically and a esthetically pleasing.

And with that, I'll also need to ruminate a bit more and consider where I want the blog to go beyond the Non-NaNoWriMo project. I don't necessarily need to have it all decided and mapped out - there is great value in an evolutionary, organic manner as well - but in terms of the larger picture is where I'll need to focus my plans and how incorporating my (also mercurial) curiosity for design will fit in. 

So! I implore you, dear reader, for any advice and recommended sites/apps/tools you advocate and think I should check out! I'm really excited to research and explore this other layer of creativity and inspiration, and I gladly invite any and all suggestions!

The blog design prototype can be viewed here (redirects to YouTube), or on my FB feed and story from earlier today! 💖

Blog Design Prototype