Returning to my penchant for super-clean, über-minimalist designs, the redesigned ThemeMeme is your first glimpse at a new WordPress theme, ThemeMeme Vero.
Note: This theme has now been released. See WordPress Theme: ThemeMeme Vero.
After playing with the Blueprint CSS framework this past week, mocking up different design ideas, I couldn’t help loving the beautiful simplicity of Blueprint’s default styles. I also noticed one of my favorite design books on my desk, Designing Design. I was taken once again with the elegant, spacious book cover, and wondered what it might look like executed as a theme.
I’m still toying with Vero, trying to decide what is absolutely essential, and what can be pared to the bone. My one extravagance is the calendar at the top of the home page. It’s unnecessary, but I wondered how it would look extended horizontally, and if displaying it might motivate me to post more regularly. And I always wonder what can go: recent comments? the latest twitter? An “about” blurb?
There’s still work to do before I release this, lots of tweaking and some cleaning up to do under the hood, plus the drudgery of IE testing. If you have any feedback, or notice any bugs on the site, please post a comment. With your help, I should be able to release this fairly soon.
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This is looking GREAT Robert! Intricate grid systems will never go out of style in my book. I’ve been playing with Blueprint myself and it really helps to cut down on solving math problems. I have noticed one error on your Aperio theme page. The Main image shows up as a php title tag instead of the logo image. Not sure if Vero is the guilty culprit though. And I also kind of feel that there should be a HOME link in the top navigation since the ThemeMeme logo link is smaller now — Maybe not.
On a random side-note: how do you come up with such cool theme names? What’s your secret? HaHaHa. Later!
Thanks, Allan. I’m sure I’m going to find a lot of little glitches, so thanks for helping me find them. I’m going to clean things up in the next few days and hope to released Vero next week.
My naming convention is pure Lorem ipsum. They don’t really mean anything. Well, sometimes they do mean something, but I just pick them for the sound and the look.
Looks great Robert. I really love that have only kept the elements of the site that you need!
Like Allan, I am also unable to access the home page…
I really want to slim my site down a lot more too soon. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Will. I keep putting things in and taking them out. But I think that’s what design is all about.
The home page should be working now. I still have some work to do with the WordPress code so the featured posts are repeated in the list of recent posts.
I’m a big fan of clean, uncluttered design. This new theme is definitely a step in the right direction for me.
Frankly, I think much of (current) web design is rather kitsch. Whereas web design in the 90’s was ugly due to lack of options, I think current design is in a state of overcompensation – frivolous animation, distracting graphic headers, and Flash…the SWF has quickly become the animated GIF for a new Millennium.
Sure, it can all be used tastefully, but there’s nothing like pairing it down to the essentials.
Anyhow, forgive the rant. I enjoy being in the company of like minded people.
Cool name, looks clean and mean, next week release?
btw: still © 2007 ?
@Andrew: I agree. Most web design looks like it was created with the highway, not the information highway, in mind. It seems to find inspiration in road signs, billboards, and neon. I know there are differences between the web and print, but I usually look to print for my inspiration. But it’s hard to resist the temptation to fill your pages with bells and whistles. I’ll confess that I keep being seduced, too.
@MILO: I’m shooting for a release next week. Still have some kinks to iron out and some clean up to do. Thanks for the heads up that my copyright is out-of-date.
Ah, the working home page looks much better! I really like this theme Robert!
Thanks, Will. Still working out a few kinks. I’m having a hard time getting the footer to work in IE.
another good job, please let me knonw when its ready
Ahh, the unstoppable IE, it’s time for version 8, if you need a hand or so regarding the IE probs, shot me a mail.
Thanks, Milo. I’ve just sent you an email. BTW, great work!