Creating visually interesting blog designs is an art. And as far as creating art goes, it can be both a very frustrating and rewarding experience. Staring at an empty white canvas can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start or you don’t have any inspiration. At this point, it is very tempting to do nothing and procrastinate. Then weeks will go by and nothing happens. It sucks, but that blog design isn’t going to create itself. If you are reading this, then that means you are at least motivated since that takes effort. I mean if you were mindlessly surfing youtube like some probably are right now (I know I have in the past) you won’t be any closer to getting that awesome blog design done.

I don’t like the idea of waiting for inspiration to hit me, because it is unreliable. So most of my suggestions will be things you can do right away. Here are some ways I found very helpful in getting started in no particular order.

1. Set a predetermined amount of time aside.

Set aside something like 2 hours to work on the blog design. In those two hours, you are not allowed to do anything, but design, think about designing, and design. Ok, I will allow one bathroom break. That is it though.

2. Clean your work area (Yes, that includes your computer programs)

Put away anything that does not relate to design. My general rule of thumb is if I don’t need it to design, hide it. A clean work area allows you to think more clearly and focus longer.

3. Go over your goals.

Why are you designing a blog? Or why are you redesigning a blog? I find it helpful to take my goals and start working backwards. Say your goal is to design a blog that reflects your personality more. First, figure out what your personality feels like. The best blog designs can evoke emotion, badly designed blogs evoke an uneasy feeling in the stomach. After you figure out the feeling you are going for, go through some ideas that will bring about those emotions. Then design away until you can show someone your blog design and they tell you “That is so you!”

4. Start on paper and pencil

Keep it very simple here. Just draw in where you want the major elements to be. This is where you decide if you want a right or left side bar, a big or small header, a fat or thin footer, and other elements. Try a few sketches until you find something you like. Then go to your drawing program and make the sketch come to life by drawing in the basic shapes and adding filler text. Don’t sweat this process, anything can be changed later.

5. Work somewhere different.

If you are really having a lot of problems getting started despite trying the other methods then this will probably help you the most. You don’t have to move across town, though the more different the area, the better. If you usually work in your bedroom, try moving to the kitchen or living room. If you can though, try your local coffee shop or library at least once and see how it feels. I personally find it easy to start on things at the library since everyone else is working as well so there is nothing else to do, but work.