Gridspiration is a new FREE Genesis Child Theme. A few days ago, I asked if you want a free version of a child theme that I created for myself and published as Gridspiration.com. It’s not a typical theme, so I was wondering if anyone would be interested in something like this.

Fortunately, I’ve got a lot of positive responses and decided to move forward and release the Genesis Child Theme.

The theme comes as is. There are no widget areas, no navigations and only one layout option (full width).

What Gridspiration theme can be used for:

• Article directory,
• Website directory,
• Design gallery,
• WordPress themes gallery…

Download Gridspiration 1.0 (156KB) View Demo

Total downloads: 515

How to use it?

Settings

Once you install the theme, go to the “Genesis -> Theme Settings” tab and find the “Gridspiration Settings” section. You can easily change twitter link, rss link, footer text and choose the categories for the 5 main columns. See the screenshot below:

Content

I used Custom Metaboxes and Fields script to add some extra settings to the post edit screen.

When you add a new post, all you need is Title, Gridspiration Options, Categories and Featured Image. Here is an example:

Download the theme

Before you download the theme, make sure you have the Genesis Framework installed.

Download Gridspiration 1.0 (156KB) View Demo

Total downloads: 515

Here you can see the final version of Gridspiration: www.gridspiration.com

I would have to spend a lot more hours to make this theme available for everyone. So, if I find at least 10 people who would be interested in the FREE version of this child theme for Genesis framework, I’ll do it.

Please post your comments.

I created a quick freebie for all web designers who use Photoshop in their every day work.

The package includes 6 PSD files:

• 960px, 16 columns grid layout,
• 960px, 12 columns grid layout,
• 960px, 8 columns grid layout (a simpler version of 16 columns template),
• 960px, 6 columns grid layout (a simpler version of 12 columns template),
• Content-Sidebar, Genesis Framework layout,
• Content-Sidebar-Sidebar, Genesis Framework layout.

These are very simple templates and I use them for all my design projects. You can download a zipped package by clicking here:

Download Photoshop Layout Templates (170KB)

Total downloads: 408

Mini Press 1.0 is a truly simple and minimalist child theme that can be used in conjunction with the Genesis Framework. You can use it for a blog or as sample child theme to construct more advanced and customized themes.

Since there are no graphic files involved in the layout, it is extremely easy to do a redesign.

Download Mini Press 1.0 (56KB) View Demo

Total downloads: 1263

To use this theme on your WordPress installation you must first install the Genesis Framework.

Download Mini Press 1.0 (56KB) View Demo

Total downloads: 1263

I have been working on the redesign of my online portfolio TomalDesign.com and I want you to have a sneak peek of the home page design. I’m very excited about this project as it highlights all of the design experience that I have gained over the last few years.

As I worked on the site last year, I remember that I was not exactly sure about how to effectively represent my brand. However, the experience I have gained definitely supplied a focus that helped me to determine exactly what I needed to include in the redesign.

I incorporated more functionality into my designs while maintaining visual correctness and perfectionism.
I believe that connection between visual appeal and functionality is the most important principle of modern design.

I’m looking forward to hearing your opinions about the design concept. Visit again soon as I will be posting a full tutorial demonstrating the design process from beginning to the final concept.

Being a good web designer is not only about having talent and software knowledge. There are some tips and information that can really help out. I have put together a few of the best design tips I discovered during my last few years as a web designer.

You may have already discovered some for yourself but, if not, follow these simple suggestions in your every day work and you will definitely see some great results.

1. Consistent spacing between elements

Spacing and white space is crucial when it comes to design. Try to keep consistency in spacing between all design elements. If you have 20 pixels of space from the top, keep the same space in all directions. See the following examples:

This is just a simple example but you can apply it to almost all of your designs:

• position logo in the header;
• position text in the box;
• position a set of pictures (equal spacing between each picture both left/right and top/bottom);

Check back for future posts where I’ll tackle spacing in more detail.

2. Paragraph font size and line height

The wrong font size and line height is the most common mistake in web design.

How to find a perfect line height and space between paragraphs? A good eye is better than any rule but there are a few things you should know. For paragraphs we usually use font sizes between 12pt – 16pt. To determine good line height , follow this rule:

[line height] = [font size] x 1.5

So, for 12pt font size, the line height should be around 18pt. Whatever your line height is, use it as a bottom margin for paragraphs. This will help you keep a nice text flow through your site. See this example:

Of course, you may want to experiment with other heights for different fonts and be sure to trust your eye to find a perfect match.

3. Choosing color scheme

If you are a beginner in web design and choosing colors is not your strongest skill I have a few simple tips for you.

How to find a perfect color scheme for your website?

Using this rule, you will never fail with your color scheme. Grayscale fits with any color. A highlight color will let you add some emphasis to your design. You can use it for links and to make some design elements more prominent. I used this rule for my own branding. You can check both TomalDesign.com and RafalTomal.com sites. There is grayscale (including white & black) + blue color. It keeps my websites look consistent and professional.

Of course, I don’t use it for every project because that would be a little boring. However, it’s good to use it for starters and it really does fit most websites.

If you don’t want to use grayscale you can still follow this rule but use shades of a different color instead. For example shades of green + white background + blue as a highlight color used for links, headings etc.

Again, trust your designer’s eye and try not to use more than 3 colors. The more colors you use the more complex your design becomes. The best rule of thumb is to keep it simple and effective.

I hope these basic tips have been helpful. I will be sharing more design tips soon so stay in touch! If you have any interesting ideas feel free to comment below and I’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

If you are familiar with the WordPress code you will know what wonderful tools hooks are. StudioPress Genesis framework has 49 custom hooks to make the lives of designers a lot easier (“An Introduction to Hooks”).

To save your time, I coded a very simple script that you can include to your functions.php file and that will allow you to display all hook names right in your theme view in the browser.

Download Source Files (1KB)

How it works

Let’s test it on basic WordPress installation and sample the Genesis framework child theme. Here is a screenshot before including the script:

Copy the “genesis_hooks.php” file to the main folder of your child theme. Paste the following code to the “functions.php” file:

Refresh your browser:

Let’s see the code when you use Developer tool in Google Chrome:

Now you can see the exact location of each hook. Simply comment the including line in the “functions.php” file to turn it off.

I hope this tip makes your job much easier and that you will find it helpful in creating your own child themes for StudioPress Genesis framework.

Download Source Files (1KB)

I titled this “Welcome Back!” because this is not my first post on this site. I decided to create a new website and include all posts from my previous blog on TomalDesign.com.

I have been really covered up with new projects and I haven’t had the chance to post anything for quite a while. The last post “Collaboration with StudioPress.com” was published back in April 2010. I decided to step it up a little and this new format should definitely help me keep more current on all the things I’m looking forward to sharing with you.

Many fantastic things have happened since I’ve started working with StudioPress.

StudioPress and several other companies have merged into CopyBlogger Media LLC (read more). When I got the offer to become a full-time Senior Web Designer I just couldn’t refuse such a really great and exciting opportunity. In November 2010, I officially joined the team and right away started working on a few huge projects. Look at some of these amazing projects created with the StudioPress team:

Copyblogger - www.copyblogger.com
Problogger – www.problogger.net
Chris Brogan - www.chrisbrogan.com
Feelgooder - www.feelgooder.com
Scribe SEO - www.scribeseo.com

The list is increasing so follow me and stay tuned for all of the upcoming projects.

What about my freelance business?

Yes, I’m still a freelancer. I’ve been a freelancer my whole life and can’t imagine ever stopping it completely. Those of you that are fellow freelancers know it is just something that gets in your blood and you can’t just let it go. For me, my freelancing projects are more than simply work. They are a huge component of a lifestyle I chose for myself many years ago.

However, I’m not a full-time freelancer anymore so I really choose my freelance projects very carefully. I make sure they are projects that will keep me challenged and really use the skills I have acquired over the years. Now, when I freelance I just work on one project at a time. It’s all about creativity, challenge, and creating something that is going to be a stellar addition to my portfolio…

If you feel you have an important project that requires an impressive and superlative design job, click here and let me know about it. I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas about your vision for your special project.

What can you find on my new blog?

I’ll post more often and I’m going to share some of my knowledge about design and web development. I’d also like to share with you my experiences working as a freelancer. These have been interesting and informative events, from switching to full-time freelance work from a day job while actively seeking other opportunities to grow.

I can share some great stories and advices that might help you deal with your freelance efforts. It’s rewarding but it isn’t easy! I can tell you that it provided me with a whole lot of opportunities and it has been a remarkable and rewarding journey.

Also, I’m going to post articles/tutorials about design, web development, WordPress and StudioPress Genesis framework.

Let me know what you think about the new site and feel free to share your experiences and expertise.

I am extremely impressed with the idea of the Genesis framework and a new market of child themes. It provides a great opportunity and excellent pricing for web developers who use more than just one theme. The cost of Genesis framework is only $59.95 and, after this initial purchase, child themes can be purchased for only $24.95 each! Child themes provide excellent and professional designs which include all of the features of the premium WordPress Themes for an exceptionally low price.

My first child theme design is Enterprise and you can buy it here. It’s a clean, business related theme perfect for small and medium companies who need a simple website. I also offer theme customization services so be sure to contact me if you want to change a logo or color scheme and match it to your brand. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter as I will be posting updates about new child themes coming soon.