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    • Mon Mar 02, 2009

    How to Find a Killer WordPress Design(er)

    Google Buzz

    WordPress is great blog software and, quite frankly, the tool I would recommend to run your entire site, home page and all. This site wide use of WordPress has become so prevalent that I don’t really even refer to it as blog software, it’s web presence, content management software with SEO built in.

    This post however, is not about WordPress as much as it is about the getting a design of your site using WordPress. This all started because I get asked where to find a good WordPress web designer about three times a day. (In some cases the simple answer is that if they are good, they are hiding because they have too much work.)

    I went on twitter and using the advanced search functions I tracked conversations regarding WordPress design in hopes of turning up the names of folks specializing in this tool so I could create a bit of a resource. While I did turn up a tidy little list (see below) I also uncovered the fact that people tweeting requests for WordPress design help outnumbered people suggesting they could provide that help about twenty to one. I think we have a supply issue here!

    So today I want to do my part to free up some of the backlog of WordPress design frustration, point out some great designers and show you some resources aimed at teaching you how to become a designer yourself.

    The first stop is premium themes. Premium themes are great design templates that have become so flexible they not only allow you to create and run your entire web site, they do so without much fear that your site will look like everyone else who uses the theme.

    In many cases this can be a tremendous solution right out of the box for under $100. But, you can also hire a designer to create a great hybrid solution. (Here’s an example with Flexx theme)

    Hire a WordPress Designer. A designer that specializes in WordPress can often create a killer custom design for less than you might have once paid for a web site design, but they can also take a premium theme and help your customize it, sometimes for very little cost. This hybrid solution marries design, functionality, quicker turnaround and, in some cases, lower costs.

    Become a WordPress Theme Designer. This last option may start to sound pretty appealing if you’ve followed my thread about a demand backlog. It takes time and talent to build up the necessary skills, but the market is huge and growing.

    This is by no means the complete list – if you are a designer or know a designer please add via comments.

    WP Illustration: Jon Cazier

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    Posted by: John Jantsch on Mar 02, 09 | 5:05 am
    Category: Blogging, Social Media | Tags: , , ,

    View Comments
    « | Home | »
    • Thank you for all the information. I will look into this.
    • This is all very interesting. I have not considered any of this.
    • I am also a wordpress designer. We only charge $499.00 for installation and set-up. Hosting is $19.99 a month.
    • I know I'm late to the party, but I also work with WordPress, more with branding blogs and consulting.
    • i want to become a designer too
    • @MissHurricat Wierd co-incidence. Was just reading this - WP specialist list here http://bit.ly/Xk5Px
    • Great post. I would like to also invite people to check out GorillaThemes.com. We are a new site and have some great themes, including Real Estate themes.

      What makes us unique is that we have a "No Custom Field" policy, so our themes are easier to use.

      We welcome feedback ;-) Thanks!

      //didn't mean to double post - my first one did not post properly.
    • I am a WordPress designer. The possibilities of the platform are unbelievable and people are definitely agreeing with you that it is way more than a blog system now, but a true CMS.
      I'd love to know what your readers think about the book "WordPress Theme Design". I am at page 65 and already found several mistakes in it...
      Our latest project: www.montrealbydesign.com
    • I want to become a WordPress theme designer (in the comments) :)
    • Thanks, Caroline!

      Yes, I am a WordPress designer who's also on Twitter, and I'd be happy to be on the list.
    • earl veale
      I don't want to become a WordPress designer. Well, I do -- but I'm a long ways away from having the amount of design skill my friend Susie Jagdev has. I'd like to win the book for Susie. I think she'd be a totally awesome WordPress designer -- and she's got rock-star potential.
    • John, this is a really useful post. But, you already knew that. Just like so many others, I'm extremely interested in learning about WordPress design, so your information is timely. Thanks a ton.
    • @adamkayce RT @brucecat: RT @cheth: How Find Killer WordPress Design(er) : http://is.gd/ly7d - I put yr name in. U might want direct try!
    • caroline
      add @adamkayce to your list - he rocks! his site: www.monkatwork.com - great example of smart design.
    • Put me down on the list for building online magazines with WordPress. It's amazing what you can do with it!

      http://DartmouthEngineer.com is our latest.
      Pete
    • John Jantsch (Duct Tape Marketing) just recommended me in a post on WordPress designers! http://tinyurl.com/d8ts9b
    • Your post is a no-net 3 pointer. I was a standard style sheet based web developer/designer when a client came asking for a Wordpress site. That was one year ago. Wordpress is now the overwhelming majority of all of my client sites and requests. I'm custom designing and developing Wordpress sites for television stations, radio outlets, arts councils, national parks, musicians, Olympic sports governing committees, real estate companies, resorts --- my work load is off the charts.

      I hesitate to have you add me to your list of developers, but what the heck, I can always refer a new client elsewhere if I'm covered up. So, here I am piling on.

      Keep your posts coming, we follow you.
    • Can you add me to your list of designers?
    • How To Find A Killer WordPress Design(er). http://tinyurl.com/d8ts9b
    • Wordpress is indeed the best. I just recently downloaded the software and I am beginning to like it. This is what I have been looking for.This makes my life easier in blogging my most precious events in life
    • KILLER Wordpress Designers - Find one on Twitter: http://is.gd/ly7d
    • jruderer
      If you're still giving away the Rockstar book, I'd like to throw my name in the hat- I use wordpress for my personal site, a Mets blog, my son's Cub Scouts pack's site, and I'm hoping to use it to create a site that for prospective medical students to help each other get into med school. To be able to make WP sing and dance would really be a big help.
    • I've been playing around with a theme from WooThemes, and quite frankly just haven't got the time to sit and tweak and play with it to get it working just right. On mailing them asking for a quotation on getting it right for me, the response was that they're just too busy to do any custom development work at present.

      The hybrid solution is what I require, and there definitely seems to be a gap in the marketplace for competent WordPress developers. Thanks for your list, John, I will definitely contact some of these and see who can come up with an affordable solution for me.

      I'd personally like a copy of "How To Be a Rockstar WordPress Developer", as it would enable me to do this for myself, and to offer my professional services to other people in need in future.
    • Add psychic to the list of things you can do. I've been looking for new and different themes and designers for my wordpress blogs.

      After not having too much luck I just scooped up a piece of software and changed my header.

      But now that you have this list I'll have to check out some of the sites that you listed.

      Thanks
    • how to find a killer wordpress designer: http://tinyurl.com/d8ts9b
    • C.N.A
      I'd love to win a copy of the book - How To Be a Rockstar WordPress Designer - please. I'm part of a group that designs and creates products and services for non-profits and creative individuals. That book would be a major help to our org.

      Thanks!
    • Thanks for this post, John. We've been evaluating WordPress for my company's site, but definitely need help.

      I would love to win the free copy of "Rockstar," if you haven't already given it away. This economy has taught us that the more skills we have, the better equipped we are to survive. If I can add to my skill set and make myself more valuable to my company right now, I'm all about that.
    • RT @Othella: How to Find a Killer #WordPress Design(er) http://is.gd/ly7d -> just write @serjeniu
    • How to Find a Killer #WordPress Design(er) http://is.gd/ly7d
    • nice list John , but for me i try to learn some basic codes so i add a few things to my blog by my hands , i don't want to be a professional designer because i believe that everyone have a job to do much designers design and i have a job in my blog " posting" .
    • Impressed with the power of WordPress themes & their ability to host hefty site content & architectures: http://tinyurl.com/d8ts9b
    • Widianto
      hi patel, is it me you're talking about in your last comment? if that's so, thanks a lot. hope to be able to provide you with some assistance in the near future:)
    • WordPress Theme Design Recources | Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing http://tinyurl.com/d8ts9b
    • These is nice update. In near future i may require a new premium theme for my wordpress blog.
    • Widianto
      # How To Be a Rockstar WordPress Designer - http://rockablepress.com/ - I have one free copy of this book - tell me why you want to become a WordPress theme designer in the comments.

      I'm aspiring to become a WordPress theme designer (not just another wannabe) to help people build their business online. i believe that everyone can start their own business, and with WordPress in the orbit, nothing is impossible. can i have it? hehe. thx john:)
    • I am a big fan of the revolution wordpress themes. I didn't know that they changed their name though!

      Till then,

      Jean
    • Alisa Welch
      Sheryl Crow?

      Like many these days, I’ve been freed from my cubicle cage so I’m busy reinventing myself after 50. How sweet would it be to help others achieve their own dreams & freedom by designing a rocking web presence for their business?

      While my writing skills rock, I’m still as shaky as Carly Simon about to go on stage when it comes to web design. So I’d like to throw my guitar pick in the ring for that book.

      Thank you!
    • Great post John! I’m a Wordpress custom theme designer as well. I absolutely love it. I started out custom designing blogs, but that has morphed into using WordPress as a CMS for websites which my clients love. I am currently working on 4 WordPress websites right now for clients - the demand for this has become great. And the best part is that they get to update content themselves whenever they want with a user-friendly dashboard that almost anyone can use.
    • I'd love to have the Wordpress designers book!

      my website is currently under construction and I really can't find a good social media theme that fits my needs. I'd love to just make one instead!

      Please give me that book!
    • Dan
      I WANNA BE A ROCKSTAR!
      Rockstar WP Design is just what I've been looking for! I need to learn for a few of my own sites and I would like to be able to help meet the demand for designers and be able to teach others how to get the most out of WordPress.
      ~Dan
    • Rick
      Great list of resources.

      WP is pretty easy to work with for all kinds of purposes. I've been messing around with it the past few months, creating themes to match existing sites (to add a blog to the site) and starting a complete site from scratch with WP as CMS.
    • Bit sad I wasn't on the designer list ;) but thats an excellent premium themes list. I dont know why more people don't go for them, a lot of the free ones end up costing more to put right, theres also Gorilla Theme (think they split from elegant themes) they have just released Tribal, aimed at the recording industry and very nice too!
      http://www.iwantthiswebsite.com/tribal/
    • I agree that WP is much more than a blog platform. I've use it almost exclusively for new websites I build since it's so easy and flexible. Thanks for pulling together these resources!
    • Thanks for these lovely wordpress themes. There are just too much out there you don't know which one to choose. Now I can focus my energy on the list you've provided

      :)
      Joyce

      http://www.beawealthyentrepreneur.com
    • Thanks for these lovely wordpress themes. There are just too much out there you don't know which one to choose. Now I can focus my energy on the list you've provided

      :)

      Joyce
      http://www.beawealthyentrepreneur.com
    • Thanks again, I've been thinking of a new design and now have load of options.
    • And I'm another Wordpress custom theme designer.

      I'm glad you mentioned the hybrid solution of having a designer adapt a pre-existing theme. I'm suggested that before to clients who don't realize at first that such a simple solution will best suit their needs. And I can do something for them sooner that way, when I'm too booked to take on another full project.
    • I think the number of comments here goes to show just how many people believe in Wordpress. The fact that Wordpress is open source is a big reason why so many there are so many resources available in the form of themes and plug-ins.
    • Great resources, many times people really don't know where to turn to when looking for help on wordpress design.
    • Thanks for the compilation. Wordpress designers are very willing to help, this is something I've discovered over the years. Feel free to contact anyone of them for any assistance with themes that will suit your customers as well as your topic.
    • I've been designing "normal" sites for years, two years ago when I realized how strong WordPress was I started using it for a few sites. Now it seems I'm barely building any sites without WordPress. I enjoy working with WordPress and my clients LOVE it.
    • Thanks for this article. I'm always needing competent designers and I'll definitely safe this info.

      Andy
    • I started developing WP sites for my clients last year and am now using it as the default--it's a really great system, open-source and flexible.

      Thanks for the great article!
    • I run a hockey blog with Wordpress. I recently attended a wordpress conference and was so impressed by the capabilities of the platform, I want to learn everything I can about it. And that's why I think I should get a copy of the book and be the next Rockstar Wordpress designer :D
    • John Jantsch
      @Shelly - thanks for the WordPress.tv tip, great resource indeed
    • Joe
      Thesis rocks - and is MUCH more than just a theme - it is very programmable - AND has many SEO tweaks already built in.

      My SEO rankings jumped greatly after I switched to Thesis.

      I personally don't see the need for any other theme.

      Sorry theme designers!
    • Wordpress theme designer?

      *raises hand*

      That be me :D
    • Great information, John. I really enjoyed the list. I am printing this one out, following a bunch more people and forwarding the link to a couple of people.

      Never, have had this much work to do from one of your blogs before.! Not sure that deserves a thank you or not.
    • Another WP designer here.
    • And Jennifer - don't forget the *invaluable* resource at WordPress.tv - TONS of video tutorials on how to use WordPress. Just pick the videos you want, and send them to your clients.
    • "...if they are good, they are hiding because they have too much work."

      I have to say, if that's true, I must be good. Sometimes, I have to wear a scuba suit just so I can breathe! (But for me, it's like a guy drowning in a pool of supermodels. It's a heavenly way to die. I LOVE my job.)

      I'll take the compliment. :)

      Terrific article - and thanks for the WordPress twitter names - some of them I've never heard of - and I'm off to follow these guys now.
    • John Jantsch
      @Jennifer - are you really asking how to make the horse drink once you've led them to the water?

      I have found that a number of the Premium theme sites have great tutorials on the basics. They are slanted towards their themes but the basics are the basics. Here's an example - http://ithemes.com/tutorials/
    • i design and maintain the campus website for a large state university (11,000 students on our campus alone) - and i'm just starting to look into word press because as the sole designer, it's really hard to help out departments who want to update their sites - usually they have someone with no knowledge of even basic html doing it in addition to their other jobs. as a public institution, money is a big issue - the other issue is how to get all these disjointed departments and schools to have some kind of unified visual identity. used to be, people would hire a student to update their site, but these days, it's sooo important to have professional looking and regularly updated content, which people are just starting to 'get'

      i'd love a copy of that book. i'm thinking wordpress might really help with some of the issues i'm dealing with here and could use a good resource to learn more.
    • Another wordpress designer here. What a great article! Have you seen any good products out there for wordpress training once the blog is setup? Because I set up wordpress sites for my clients, but then they don't want to go through the wordpress tutorials and it's hard for me to spend the time with each one going through how to use it? It would be great to point them to a video tutorial of how to post, add pics, etc.

      Thanks!
    • Just thought I would chuck myself into the comments, I'm a WP designer / developer based in London UK.
    • great article - and very happy to see WP getting better and better all the time & becoming more and more popular ;)

      I set up most of my clients now with a WordPress site - though I would not call myself a WP designer per se - I have pretty much specialised in it by now, it is a wonderful app to work with ;)
    • You are right. Wordpress is becoming the main platform for many websites, let alone blogs. Of the five clients I am currently building websites for, four are building them around a wordpress platform.

      Thanks for this collection of material!

      Todd Schnick
      http://intrepid-llc.com (my wordpress site!)
    • add me to please! thanks

      also: @mattbrett

      Thanks - I loved the intro on wp
    • Hey, I'm a wordpress designer too :D For real
    • Great list-add me too, i'm a wp designer :-)
    • Great collection, John, and definitely a nice list. We're familiar with almost all resources and designers you've noted here, and I was nodding at your choices.

      Stick our name on that designer list!
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