The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Brilliant Design: Provide An Amazing Experience
The design of a blog is perhaps the most undervalued concept in the entire blogging process. Most bloggers fail to realize how important it is to design something that delivers a powerful first impression to the people visiting their blogs for the first time.
This is a collection of beautiful blogs that show unusually great creativity in the design of their blogs. I understand that some of the design concepts are not for everyone. But we can observer the successes of other great bloggers and learn from them.
So take a look at these beautiful blogs. Look at what you like and what you don’t like and then take some ideas home with you and become a better blogger yourself.
Blog Spoon Graphics
Douglas Menezes
A Crayon’s Life
Skylab Blog
Hyper Island
Gisele Jaquenod and Birdie
Jeff Sarmiento
Web Designer Depot
That Indie Dude
Getting Crazy
I Love Colors
Jesus Rodriguez Velasco
Outlaw Design Blog
Web Designer Wall
Tutorial 9
Cheaper Than Therapy
Freelanz
Matt Mullenweg
Brian Yerkes
Creature Box
N. Design Studio
Mark Forrester
Cultura Positiva
Laura Alter
Freelance Switch
Site Sketch 101
Group Reflection
I’m sure that you think I’m a egomaniac for listing Site Sketch 101 in a list at Site Sketch 101 but in my defence, it is actually the 26th entry on the list. There are 25 other beautiful blogs listed first. I also listed it to demonstrate a principle.
If you were to create a list of beautiful blogs, would you feel confident adding your own to that list? If no then you should determine to make the changes necessary so that you could.
Christopher Hooper said:
I like these designs because they are unique. If want your website to stand out from the crown it has to be unique. They are not template based. Meaning there design is not used over and over again by others. For your own website it needs to be a custom unique design.
Nicholas Cardot said:
I completely agree with you. Having a unique design is so nice and these are absolutely beautiful blogs because their designers knew exactly how to do that.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Ron Leyba said:
Great list of blogs. I admire Matt’s creation, of course he will have the most outstanding design in wordpress. I wish, sometime soon, I can have a blog with great design so I can have my blog listed on such great list.
My Latest Blog Post: Sikat Ang Pinoy
Nicholas Cardot said:
I’ve had a couple of people tell me via IM that they like Matt’s the best as well. His seems very popular as far as the design goes. Ge definitely made it look great.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Derek Jensen said:
I too think Matt’s is the best because it just makes me want to keep scrolling down. Think about if you created a blog that you do not have to any content ‘above the fold’ because everyone were so curious to scroll down and find the content.
I will say though that in “Jesus Rodriguez Velasco” I find when a blog has too many columns I easily get distracted and navigation can become a problem. This blog strives to have all the key elements of the blog at the top but I miss all of them because there is just too much. I would rather just scroll if I found their content interesting or, as I previously mentioned, if their design was so intriguing.
My Latest Blog Post: Don’t Be Default for Your Homepage
Nicholas Cardot said:
Those are good observations. A site that has too little makes a person look unprofessional. A site that has too much makes it difficult for the users to navigate the links or locate the relevant material. You’re exactly right. It’s really about finding that good balance.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Ron Leyba said:
Great analogy Derek. Its a matter of balance and harmony. Also, how you will present your blog design to your readers matters a lot. Its just, finding out, what works best for your site.
My Latest Blog Post: Sikat Ang Pinoy
Tom | Build That List said:
Wow! They really put my free design to shame… But yours definitely deserved to be in the top 25 (way higher than 26!)
My Latest Blog Post: Do I Need My Own Product Before I Start List Building?
Nicholas Cardot said:
I really appreciate that. I love tweaking and working on improving the design and performance of Site Sketch 101. I’ve actually got a couple of things up my sleeve right now that I’m working on and I’m pretty excited about it.
Thanks for the kind words on it. They’re highly appreciated.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Mikkel 'DaneBlogger' Juhl said:
Now I wouldn’t add my own blog, because I think my blog is out of the run. But yours definitely aren’t.
I think your blog is best looking blog I have in my RSS reader. So yeah your blog rank high, when we look at design – content also.
I think Matt’s is one of the best designs, but I really don’t think it is the best of those you listed. I like N. Design Studio. – that’s a great blog design. Though Matt’s rank high on my list as well!
Keep it up Nick!
My Latest Blog Post: How to Increase Your Productivity in 8 Easy Steps
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks for the feedback, Mikkel. I really appreciate the kind words that you have for the design here at Site Sketch 101 and I agree the Matt’s is one of the best. N.Design does look pretty awesome, but I probably like Matt’s little bit better. But that’s just one of those things where it’s great that we all look at it just a little bit differently.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Kunjal Kamdar said:
Amazing Stuff. Thanks for sharing these Blogs. Unique designs. Mine Blog is no where near any of these. Thanks for the inspiration, will try to improve and make it Unique
My Latest Blog Post: Describe yourself in 160 characters!!!! Piece of cake?
Nicholas Cardot said:
And even though that you recognize that your site might not be at the same design level as some of the ones on this list, don’t let that discourage you at all. Stay positive and motivated and only allow it to challenge you to do the absolute best that you can do.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the collected and I’m also glad that you decided to join the conversation here.
Ron Leyba said:
I am feeling the same thing Kunjal. But, if we make those blog listed above as our inspiration, we can do better than those designs. Its just a matter of practice and patience. Just continue improving and continue believing.
My Latest Blog Post: Sikat Ang Pinoy
Fire said:
Wonderful site. Bravo Nick for the update on the latest blog design.
My Latest Blog Post: Heart Weakening Pretty!
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks Fire. I had tons of fun putting this together.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Lee Ka Hoong said:
wow really a nice list of beautiful blogs, you know I always appreciate great design from designers! In this list, I like design from “Web Designer Depot” the most, a very outstanding blog design.
I’m curious if I hire someone to do that for me, how much it would cost.
Regards,
Lee
Nicholas Cardot said:
I don’t know exactly how much it cost, but I know that it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand. And if I were you, I wouldn’t hire anyone that didn’t present you with a clear portfolio of sites that they have already made and you are very happy with them.
Lee Ka Hoong said:
I agree with you Nick, but you know sometimes portfolio doesn’t mean anything. I’ve purchased my current blog logo from a well known website (logonXXXX, not going to reveal it), they have tons of nice looking logo in their portfolio, but you see the logo they designed for my blog. Even I asked them to follow the exact concept and change my blog name, they can’t even do that.
But of course designer who has portfolio could persuade people to work with them, that’s better than designer who doesn’t has portfolio.
Cheers,
Lee
Nicholas Cardot said:
Lee Ka Hoong » I’m sorry to hear that. That’s really a bummer. It’s great to look for people with a great portfolio, but I suppose they’re only showing their best work there and in the end you get what you get.
Ed said:
Starting your own blog with a great wordpress theme from Elegantthemes or Themeforrest could not be any easier…plus tweaking your own design is possible with some hard work and passion! When you find Nick’s blog theme at WOO Themes you will find a great design but one that Nick took to the next level in web design.
My Latest Blog Post: Coach Muntz Announces 2010 Schedule
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks. I’ve had a lot of fun transforming this template into what it is today and I’ve got some more things in store for it that I’m currently developing. I’m really loving it and I feel so fortunate to have something that I get so much positive feedback for.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Ron Leyba said:
It will range to thousands Lee. It will require time and creativeness not to mention the proper codes to properly integrate it to your blog. But I think, its worth your money.
My Latest Blog Post: Sikat Ang Pinoy
Ed said:
Great Collection…The blog design is so important to readers coming back!
Nicholas Cardot said:
It really is important for that reason and far too many people fail to realize it and they’re hurting themselves but not taking the time to make their site’s look great.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Ed said:
Great Blog Design: This is one of the reason I keep coming back to Site Sketch 101…Plus…always a great read!
My Latest Blog Post: Coach Muntz Announces 2010 Schedule
Nicholas Cardot said:
I’m thrilled to know that you’re enjoying the layout of Site Sketch 101. I hope that I can keep you coming back again and again for a long time.
Nadia said:
I love the “Web Designer Depot” graphics. But then… everything that has warm orange and red colors gets my favors. You know, Nicholas, I really appreciate the fact that you do all that research on the web to show and teach us what we graphically should do on our blogs and websites. And your blog is outstanding and very original. So, don’t be too modest.
My Latest Blog Post: Invest in Real Estate?!…
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks. I really appreciate that. I love trying to bring the best possible resources to the table here and I love inspiring and challenging others with this type of stuff. And I love design so this is just too much fun for me.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Chris Courtis said:
I think the designs look amazing, the creativity that goes into the design features of some of them is impressive. I must admit that first impressions count and I think a well presented blog with a great design hooks me in straight away.
My Latest Blog Post: Lodge Holiday with Hot Tub – Retreats, Getaways and Breaks
Nicholas Cardot said:
I couldn’t agree more. First impressions are, after all, lasting impressions.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Brian Yerkes said:
Hi Nicholas,
Thank you very much for including my site in this list. Looks a little out of place to me personally alongside the others, but it’s pretty cool to see it there.
Thanks again!
(I really like the font/size/line-height you’re using on your site, in the post and the content. Really easy to read, and nice and clear.)
My Latest Blog Post: Logo Design Project – Pool Tile Restoration of Naples, Florida
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks. Your site looks really awesome. You did an outstanding job on it.
I loved when I was working on the fonts here. I’ve really received a lot of positive feedback for it and I’ve become a firm believer that the easier you make it to read your site, the more people will read it.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Toya said:
Beautiful blogs listed. Especially, Site Sketch, I love its design. I know content on a site is extremely important but blog design really goes a long way in it’s initial appeal.
My Latest Blog Post: ENVY….how do we combat it?
Nicholas Cardot said:
You’re exactly right. It’s the design that creates the powerful first impression and it’s the design that’s going to draw people in to take the time to see your content.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Olusegun said:
I’m trying hard to access your blog i guess the bandwidth here is overloaded.
Can’t say much because i haven’t seen anything
Nicholas Cardot said:
I’m sorry to hear that. It seems to be working for the rest of us. I hope that you’ll be able to see it later on.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Keith said:
Yes your site deserves to be on that list Nick, I think it is one of the better designs I have seen recently.
I am starting to prefer less “flashy” sites which is what I am trying to keep in mind as I redesign my latest site (hotblogtips) with Thesis. I am tired of all the thesis sites looking the same, so I am trying some different approaches with it.
My Latest Blog Post: Do-Follow Forum Just For Bloggers
Nicholas Cardot said:
Keith » Thanks. I really appreciate that. I’ve even got some things I’m working on right now to try to make it even more appealing. Thesis is a good theme if you can find that edge that it takes to make it not look like everyone else’s.
Olusegun said:
Now i can see most. I love tutorial 9, creature box and web designer wall best but i’m undecided as to the order.
Skylab and hyperisland? I’d like to know what the catch was for you.
Nicholas Cardot said:
Olusegun » You don’t like Skylab or hyperisland? Really? I really like those ones. LOL
Kok Siong Chen said:
Personally, i like the Web Designer Depot’s design. Quite comfortable to look at.
I think sitesketch101.com is one of the best design blog which i visit frequently.
Sometimes, i really dream of to learn the design from you. I wish that my blog is as nice as this blog.
My Latest Blog Post: Cri du Chat Syndrome – Human with Cat-like Cry
Nicholas Cardot said:
Thanks. I’m really glad that you enjoy the feel of the site here. I hope that you continue to find value here and I hope that you continue to learn about design. Always keep learning.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
izzat aziz said:
look at the design just prove that web design also need to be good in graphic design or they will be left behind.
i think after master in web design and stuff, I need to learn about graphic too.. because when they are together it will generate amazing design.
nice compilation, ma.tt is the best.
My Latest Blog Post: Blog redesign, and more
Nicholas Cardot said:
Ha ha. There’s a lot of people who really like Matt’s site. It really is impressive.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Anne Moss said:
Some of these really are beautiful – not surprised to see they are by professional web designers.
And no, none of my blogs or sites will be on any design list. I focus on readability and usability mostly.
My Latest Blog Post: Google PageRank Soon Gone?
Nicholas Cardot said:
But don’t you think that the design is what makes our usability? If you have a site that is exactly like 20,000 other sites or that is difficult to navigate or hard for people to look at doesn’t that effect the user’s experience?
Look at Site Sketch 101, I get a lot of people staying to check it out because people like how easy it is to read the content with soft backgrounds, large fonts, etc.
Some of these designs in this list are over the top like Bruce Willis jumping off of an interstate and hanging onto the wings of a Fighter Jet in Live Free or Die Hard. Some of these designs are a bit excessive and unnecessary for success, but the concept of them is right. They’re getting people’s attention.
They’re breaking the mold. And breaking away from the pack with something that sets you apart in a positive way is exactly what bloggers need to be looking to do.
My Latest Blog Post: The 25 Most Beautiful Blogs in 2010
Davor Gasparevic @ Internet marketing ebooks said:
Your blog design is great, but don’t take it personal, I still feel that it needs “that one more thing” to really be beautiful, not just great. The background is fantastic, and these social sites buttons are so unique and fancy.
On the other side, I became quite a regular visitor of your blog, I am your subscriber, so it’s just maybe that I don’t see all of the fantastic details this blog possesses like I used to when I first stumbled upon it.
Once again, no hard feelings
P.S. To answer you group reflection question, well, no! But, unlike you, my goal is not to have beautiful blogs and websites. I can agree that my blog still needs a lot of editing and design tweaks, but at least it’s not so ugly and newbish and messy like it was 2 months ago.
Just take a look at Seth Godin’s blog – he is considered an authority, he’s got great traffic and simply astonishing PR, but we can’t say for his blog that it’s beautiful, right?
Still, I keep coming back to read his posts because I feel that I can benefit from them.
Blogs are just like women (lol) – you can have the most beautiful blog, but when you have crappy content, a visitor will come to your blog once, twice, maybe, just MAYBE the third time. But then the visitor won’t come again for more, just like a guy dumps the beautiful lady when he figures there is nothing beneath the shiny and fancy “surface”
My Latest Blog Post: Niche/money making ebook #11 – How to become a successful public speaker!
Nicholas Cardot said:
Davor Gasparevic @ Internet marketing ebooks » Yeah but Seth Godin has 20+ published books sending people to his site. Of course he’s going to have a lot of people. I know 5 people right off the top of my head who refuse to subscribe to his blog because of the way it’s set up. Imagine how many more subscribers he would have if it was easy to navigate and interact with.
The argument that we should ignore design and only focus on content is a myth that is strapping bloggers to the lower edges of the blogosphere like someone with leprosy back in ancient times. Content does need to come first but you have to have both. When you can provide great content and an awesome design then you are on your way to major success. This article has nothing to do with content. I’m not saying that content is not important. People bring that up only because they don’t want to beautify their websites. Let’s do both.
Davor Gasparevic @ Internet marketing ebooks said:
I agree with you, really. But I don’t think we need beautiful design too. It certainly is a positive factor which ads to blog quality and attractiveness, but i would rather go with OK design+decent content than with awesome/amazing/fantastic looks and poor content quality.
Of course, that is the thing I kind of don’t accomplish with my own blogs, but it’s another story to discuss…
My Latest Blog Post: Niche/money making ebook #11 – How to become a successful public speaker!
Shawn K. said:
Nick, your are an engaging writer, but being a designer/developer…well, I know you had some help with the design.
I guess its just a sore spot for me, sorry.
Anyways, I didnt comment to criticize whatsoever, Id like to post a like to a nice blog design I ran across.
Liked this design, and it has been previously recognized for being a great example of fixed navigation.
http://markjardine.com/
My Latest Blog Post: Guest Posts: Share The Love, Lighten The Load
David said:
Love your site. You really put your heart into it – and it shows.
You’re closing comment got me thinking however.
“If you were to create a list of beautiful blogs, would you feel confident adding your own to that list? If no then you should determine to make the changes necessary so that you could.”
I write a blog devoted to traveling with children and I wonder if I really do want a “beautiful” site like the ones above. Maybe I’m rationalizing because I don’t have the passion or talent you and these designers have, but I question if someone visiting a resource site might feel more comfortable with a predictable (boring?) and functional site?
Not to say these sites aren’t functional or easily navigated but the design is the first thing you notice and maybe sometimes you want visitors to notice the content first.
Am I just lying to myself Nicholas?
Thanks for a great post though.
David
Todd Blackmon said:
Not Really liking any of these blogs. Sorry.
Mattheous @ Menu Musings said:
What great designs! I wonder if any of them are WordPress hosted…
I always look forward to your posts–they sure help a starting Blogger like myself!
I noticed you don’t use pictures in your posts like many Bloggers do. Why is this? I’m the same way; I feel it takes away from my own content unless it’s a picture I’ve taken.
Also, any design tips for those of us who are WordPress.com Bloggers? I can’t afford my own server, not to mention WordPress is so reliable! I do have a graphics designer that I’m working with, which always helps.
Empress said:
Jeezz…I never seen these blogs before while I was bloghopping in the cyberworld…Thanks for making this list. (:
My Latest Blog Post: Lenovo’s First Product and Press Launching in Cebu
Michal Matovcik said:
‘If you were to create a list of beautiful blogs, would you feel confident adding your own to that list? If no then you should determine to make the changes necessary so that you could.’
lol
I think I will never post my first two blogs, but have learned that design matters. nice collection
My Latest Blog Post: My motivation for blogging
Latief@AnotherBlogger said:
Agree with you Nick. Your blog is one of them
My Latest Blog Post: Why We Need To Create Similar Contents?
ah hong said:
Make no mistake, these are the most beautiful blog I have ever seen. Guess that need to learn more on web design
My Latest Blog Post: Buttermilk Pancake Recipe Snack
blue2x said:
Best on the list would probably be freelanceswitch, not only does the design look good but the content they deliver is important as well.
My Latest Blog Post: Text Kerning in Adobe Fireworks