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Squidoo Page Themes - How To Select Theme Designs For Your Lenses

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Squidoo Themes - Pick the Right Look For Your Lens!



One of the Workshop Tools available on Squidoo is Squid Themes. These are page designs you can use to enhance the look of your lenses. Pick the right look for your lens or change it seasonally or just to give it a fresh update! To select a theme, simply open your lensmaster workshop, click on "Themes" in the "Workshop Tools" area, put a click next to the theme you would like to use, click Apply, then click preview to see how your lens will look in your chosen theme. If you want to see a different theme just repeat with your new selection.

Once you have decided on a theme, make sure you have the correct theme selected and once you have applied it, save a draft or, if your lens is complete, publish it and enjoy. You can even click the theme name to see a small preview.

This lens will show you each of the Themes and explore design elements. Since the previews are rather small and only show the top part of a page, there are also links to published pages that use the theme so you can see how the full page looks.

What You Will Find On This Lens

Why Use A Theme?

At first glance, there may not seem to be much of a difference between the new theme choices. So you might think to yourself... "Why use a theme?" The differences go beyond the frame of the lens, they reach deep into the color scheme of the text and some even have distinctive designs.

So we will explore each of the themes, what kind of elements to look for, and how they might fit into a few different kinds of lenses.

For example... The "Gone Camping" theme would make an exceptional backdrop for a "Going Green" or "Sustainable Living" topic. The "Paintball" theme would be an amazing page theme for outdoor photography (the paintball design looks like mountains to me). Take a close look at the "Moment of Zen" and you see minimalism at its best; Great choice for any topic actually. Think about the audience you are speaking to and what would feel most comfortable to them.


These new themes open up an amazing opportunity to personalize our Squidoo pages. What if, for example, you assign a particular theme to each of your topic areas. Your lensography might reflect this and over time it would be easy for you to make a theme choice based on your lensography.

We will explore some examples in each of the "Page Theme" sections below. You will find ideas, color codes (to customize your html), and a few other ideas you might find helpful.

If you only remember one thing from this lens...
Remember To Have FUN
and
You Can Always Change Your Theme Choice Later

Default Page Theme

The Classic Squidoo Color Scheme

The Default Page Theme
is a Classic Squidoo Design.

The Default Theme is a great choice
for any topic but a particularly good theme design for Squidoo Community Lenses, Squidoo Tops, Lens Contests, Giant Squid Shout Outs, and the Squidoo TwttrList Lenses.

Default Theme Color Codes
Blue #0000FF and Orange #FF8C00
Use these codes to integrate your text with the Default Page Theme color scheme.

Visit HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete color guide.



See the Default Theme on a Lens

This lens obviously uses the Default theme. I also chose this theme for the James and the Giant Peach page because the colors offset those in the introduction photo nicely and served to tie the design of the lens together.

As a designer, I will often choose a page theme based on the colors of my introduction's photo and how well the theme's colors (in the banner and headings) enhance that photo.
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The Right to Use Some Squidoo Page Themes Must Be Earned


As you reach higher lensmaster levels on Squidoo, you will earn the ability to access more page themes.

Additional themes will be "unlocked" and available in your lens workshop as you advance to higher levels.

Gone Camping Page Theme

Go Green!

You will be able to use the Gone Camping Page Theme when you reach level 12.


As previously mentioned,
The "Gone Camping" theme
would make an exceptional backdrop
for a Going Green, Eco-Related,
or Sustainable Living topic.

You might also use this theme to frame up your lenses about gardening, nature photography, or any kind of artistic topics. Note the design on the bottom of the Gone Camping Page Theme... NICE!!

     Gone Camping Color Codes
     Green #008000
     Orange #FF8C00
     Use these codes to integrate
     your text with the Camping
     Page Theme colors.

Update Your Lenses
by easily switching themes
with the
SquidUtils Toolbar



Here's a Few Lenses that Use the Camping Theme

Note how the introduction photo goes with the theme colors. This makes for a more professional looking page, ties the design to your content, and enhances your pictures.
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Algae Page Theme

   Algae Theme Color Codes
   Aqua #158ebb
   Gray #5555
   Use these codes to integrate your text            
   with the Algae Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



Here's a Lens that Uses the Algae Page Theme

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Big Lucid Page Theme

   Big Lucid Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Black #000
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Big Lucid Page Theme colors.     

Use Color Codes
Inside HTML Tags
by adding
style="color: #code;"



The Big Lucid Page Theme

is, well, Big and Lucid

See how it looks on a full page:
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Big Squid Page Theme

   Big Squid Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Dark Gray #454545
   The background of the header is a
   Very Dark Gray #505050
   Use these codes to integrate your text
   and design features such as boxes           
   with the Big Squid Page Theme colors.     

Using White or Light Colors
for Type on
Darker Backgrounds
is easier to read
than other colors
would be



Here is the code I used for the dark gray box (above right):

By changing the name of the text color and the color numbers for the border and background you can use this code to create a box in any colors with your own text inserted where it says "Your Message Goes Here." You will find the color numbers that match your page design under the picture of each theme.

The Big Squid Theme: Strong, Dark and Handsome

When you want to make a bold statement, you can't go wrong with the Big Squid Page Theme. See how effective it can be here:
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Blueprint Page Theme

   Blueprint Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Blue #2b5fc6
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Blueprint Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



See The Blueprint Theme on a Lens

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Clouds Page Theme

   Clouds Color Codes
   Blue #2381e2
   on Lighter Blue #60a9f5
   with Orange #f90
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Clouds Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



See this Heavenly Theme

As it Looks on a Completed Lens

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Bubble Gum Page Theme

The Bubble Gum Page Theme can be used when you reach level 19.


   Bubble Gum Color Codes
   Pink #d51f8b
   and More Pink #bf0077
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Bubble Gum Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



The Bubble Gum Theme is Delicious!

Don't restrict this bright pink theme to girlie lenses. It can be a lot more versatile, as this recipe lens demonstrates:
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Easy Street Page Theme

The Easy Street Page Theme is available when you reach level 13.


    Easy Street Color Codes
    Black #000000 and Charcoal #555 with Orange #f90 highlights

Easy Street Makes an Easy-to-Read Lens

But Not Necessarily an Easy Quiz ;-)

We also liked the darkness of this banner design and lens colors with the topics of the pages we used it for -- namely the vampires, witches, werewolves, ghosts and other creatures that populated the Dark Shadows tv series.
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Highlighter Page Theme

   Highlighter Color Codes

   Dark Gray #333 on Yellow #fafc7d

   You can get the highlighted effect we used in the text above with this code:

The Highlight Theme Is a Joy to Work With

Makes a Lens Look Organized and Easy to Navigate

The yellow color bands draw one's eye to the different module headings which is helpful in skimming a lens. Other times (like on our Heirloom Daffodils page), I'll choose this theme because the color complements the topic of the lens perfectly!
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Moment of Zen Page Theme

   Moment of Zen Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Light Gray #888
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Moment of Zen Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



The Moment of Zen Theme

Seemed Appropriate for This Lens

We wanted something dignified and peaceful for this memorial/charity fund-raising lens, Moment of Zen was the theme we chose. You can see it here:
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Movies Page Theme

   Movies Theme Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555 with Orange #f90

Here's How the Movie Page Theme Looks as a Full Page

A word of caution: If you make a lot of movie theme lenses, you may want to use a variety of themes to avoid monotony. You do not have to choose a particular topic theme for lenses about that topic. If someone is reading through your lenses and they all look the same they are more likely to lose interest.
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Munch Page Theme

   Munch Color Codes
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Gray #333
   and Red #b10000
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Munch Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



See the Squidoo Munch Theme in Action:

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What is Your Favorite Squidoo Theme?

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Paintball Page Theme

The Paintball Page Theme is unlocked at level 12.


   Paintball Color Codes
   Magenta #aa235e
   Charcoal Gray #555
   Blue #4169E1
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Default Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



Paintball Adds Color

& Pizazz to Your Lenses

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Purple People Eater Page Theme

   Purple People Eater Color Codes
   Purple #732c7a, Dark Orchid #9932CC, and Gray #808080

See How Some Very Different Pages Use the PPE Theme

Taking a cue from the Queen that Victorian Style is named after, we went with royal purple for our Victorian Decorating page. We used it for the association of purple shades with spring flowers in the page about heirloom spring bulbs and for the passion and panache of purple for the tattoo lens.

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The Professor Page Theme

   The Professor Color Codes
   Orange #f90
   Black #555
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Professor Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



The Professor Theme

Is Strong, Clear, and Instructional

Just like this DIY page:
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An Important Note About Lens Pictures

Do Not Underestimate
the Importance of Your
Introduction Picture
and Other Visuals
And
Make Sure You Abide
By Copyright Laws
for Text And Pictures
(scroll down for more info)

New York Page Theme

The New York Page Theme is unlocked when you reach level 2.


New York Theme Color Codes
Almost Black #333 and Gray #555 with Silver Gray #ccc
on white (#fff)

We LOVE New York

The City and the Theme

For a sophisticated classic look, we highly recommend the New York Page Theme. The typeface is easy on the eyes if you have a lot of text and the clean layout gives the page an elegant look. But don't just take our word for it. Check it out on these lenses:
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Squid Grid Page Theme

   Squid Grid Color Codes
   Blue #1a67b8
   and Black #555
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Squid Grid Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



The Squid Grid Page Theme is Clean and Bright

You don't have to always use the "Munch" theme for recipes. We used Squid Grid for this one because the colors worked with the photos in the page and helped make the recipe easy-to-follow. Plus, if every recipe used the same theme it would get pretty boring, don't you think?

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Did You Know?

Most pictures you find on Google, Yahoo, Bing or through other image search engines are copyrighted and may NOT be used on Squidoo lenses or anywhere else without the express permission of the © owner.

Squid Sports Page Theme

   Squid Sports Color Codes
   Blue #1a67b8
   Orange #f90
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Squid Sports Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



Spring Page Theme

The Spring Page Theme is available in your workshop once you reach level 14.

   Spring Theme Color Codes
   Green #009c28
   Blue #1a67b8
   Light Blue #96d6ff
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Spring Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



The Spring Page Theme is Light and Airy

A Breath of Fresh Air

And not overly cute, which is a plus in my book, er, lens! You can see what I mean on this page about the color green and using it to decorate one room or your entire home.
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What Lensmasters Should Know About Image Rights

Most images you will find when creating your Squidoo Lenses will fall into one of these two categories:
1) PUBLIC DOMAIN
and
2) ROYALTY FREE
Because both terms are often misunderstood,
we have created THIS PAGE to explain them
in detail and provide links to additional
information and useful resources.

Winter Holiday Theme Page

   Winter Holiday Color Codes
   Blue #15679c;
   Light Blue #ADD8E6
   Red #b40f07
   Use these codes to integrate your text           
   with the Winter Holiday Page Theme colors.     

Visit
HTML Tips for Color
to see a complete
color guide.



To Set a Holiday Mood or Celebrate the Winter Season

The Winter Holiday Page Theme is Ideal

You have to love this happy little snowman. And the Winter theme is not just for sales lenses. Here it is on a recipe lens.
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Squidoo's Holiday Lens Themes Have Their Own Page

For Great Photos You Can Use Legally

Although I prefer to use my own photos whenever possible, that is not always feasible. Here are some resources for artwork and photos you can use legally but you must be sure to follow the terms of use. Some pictures cannot be used on commercial pages (and that includes squidoo). Others require specific wording and links displayed along with the picture.

Requirements vary from site to site so be sure to read the proper procedures for using images from each source. Many sites will provide you with the html code you need to add for each picture, but you must also check if it is allowed to be used in the way you wish to use it.

The following pages and sites either provide artwork you can use in your lenses and explain how you may do that or link to other resources where you can legally obtain the rights to use certain images.

The photo (above right) in this module is a free stock picture
from Dreamstime and is used with permission. © Paul Moore | Dreamstime.com
Be sure to start at Squid Headquarters with Bonnie Diczhazy's informative page about Finding Great Images for Your Intro Module.
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More Great Art & Photos for Your Lenses

In addition to the resources mentioned previously, you can purchase collections of copyright free art inexpensively. I particularly recommend doing this if you have a niche or topic you frequently create lenses about that such a collection is available for. Most of these now come with electronic versions of the artwork in addition to the printed book, which makes them easier than ever to use. If a CD is not available, you can scan the images to use them on squidoo.
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Another Option for Great Photos, Artwork, Designs & Illustrations You Can Use Legally

baby in chef's hat stock photoYou can also purchase the rights to use stock photography. This is probably the best way to get contemporary pictures of people, places, objects, events, and more. You can use pictures you've purchased rights to without links or credits, although it is a good idea to mention somewhere in the lens that you have done that so there is no confusion or suspicion that they might be plagiarized. Note that you do not own the copyright to purchased stock pictures but you do do own the right to use them as per the user agreement of the license you purchase.

The adorable picture on the right is a stock photo from Dreamstime.com (© Teraberb) that we purchased a royalty-free license to use for our Recipe
Collection Lensography.
Got your attention, didn't it?

There are photos and illustrations for just about anything you can imagine available in a range of prices and use options. Using these in Squidoo lenses is permissable and you can also take advantage of special offers for free credits. Credits is how you pay for the pictures you want to use. Costs range from 1 credit (about $1.00, depending on site and the number of credits purchased) and up. Since price is also based on the size picture you download, the good news is that the smallest available size, and therefore the least expensive, is all you need for squidoo modules.

Browsing through pictures on stock photography sites will also give you ideas for lenses. Take a look, for example, at the following offer. You should be able to find more than enough pictures for one or more lenses with 10 free credits.




You can also download freebies from Dreamstime, another great stock photo
and illustration site. Registration is free and they are one of the most affordable
if you want to purchase a royalty-free license to download and use artwork
or photos from them, with many pictures available at just 1 to 3 credits.

Royalty Free Images

More Answer Deck Resources

These Phenomenal Lenses Will Help You Customize Your Theme Pages!

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Time for a little Q&A

Post your questions on this Squidoo Themes topic below, and I'll do my best to answer them for you here.

submit
  • Reply
    CherryTriggerCola Jan 28, 2012 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    Awesome tips! thanks for sharing!
  • Reply
    JoyfulPamela Jan 21, 2012 @ 9:51 am | delete
    Fabulous info!
  • Reply
    Ladymermaid Dec 13, 2011 @ 7:08 pm | delete
    Thank you so very much for your kindness on my squidoo page. Your visit is so very much appreciated. May you have a wonderful holiday season.
  • Reply
    marsha32 Dec 8, 2011 @ 11:06 am | delete
    Lots to absorb.
    I do have some confusion on the photos part--I didn't before, but now use free clip art websites. I have a few in favorites---however, when it says royalty free, I'm just assuming it's ok to use them?
    A lot of the pictures in my tweety lens were first shared by a gal on gather. I asked her permission to share them in my lens.
  • Reply
    ---Chazz Dec 8, 2011 @ 11:33 am | delete
    Marsha - First I want to thank you for raising two very important points. Instead of answering both questions here, I think the first one especially warrants better clarification for everyone and am adding a box explaining what royalty free means (It does Not mean what you think it does). As for your second question, unless the pictures that you got from "a gal on gather" are hers (that is, she created them and owns the copyright) asking her permission is not legitimate. You need to have permission from the copyright owner. And be sure to get permission in writing (even if email) and save it so if a question arises you can produce the document. Hope that helps. I'll get the royalty info posted shortly. Best regards, Chazz
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There's More! Don't Forget to See Our Page About Using Squidoo's Fun Holiday Page Themes

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