Joslyn Taylor’s blog, Simple Lovely, is filled with great design and her own witty southern charm. Today, Josyln shares glimpses of her own blog growth process and gives us hints to help us along the way.
When did you start blogging?
I started blogging in the summer of 2007, about six months after my second daughter was born. In answering that, I can’t believe my blog will be five years old next month!
Tell us a little about what you do, and what your site is about.
I like to think of my site as a little celebration of the lovely, and often overlooked, moments of our everyday life. But specifically, it’s a blog about art, food, style, design, and family. In my day job, I’m the market and style editor for D Home magazine in Dallas. This October I’m launching a new magazine for the company called D Moms.
What is your idea of blogging success?
There are three things that define “blogging success” for me: the lasting, significant relationships I’ve formed with other bloggers; the opportunity to encourage and support other creative people; and the sheer enjoyment that I derive from blogging.
What is the best decision you have made regarding your blog to this point?
To always follow my gut. If something doesn’t feel right or natural, I don’t do it. In many cases that’s meant passing up monetary opportunities, but I’ve never felt like I had to compromise in terms of my content. That said, since my blog isn’t my primary form of income, I’ve been able to be very selective.
What is it about blogging that you love?
First and foremost, the amazing community. I also love the fact that for the past five years, blogging has provided me with an indispensible writing practice. I think through that practice, amazing things have emerged.
How do you maintain inspiration, creativity and sanity as a professional blogger?
Blogging is one part of my job, but not all of it. In and of itself, blogging provides some sanity, as it’s easier for me to put projects in perspective since I’m able to toggle back and forth between them.
In terms of inspiration and creativity, I have to regularly unplug completely, and just see and do. I go to museums, cook, attempt to make things (although admittedly, DIY isn’t my strong suit). If I’m in a rut, taking in physical art and creating something, anything, usually gets the spark going. I also try really hard not to compare what I’m doing to other bloggers, as I think that’s the kiss of death.
What does the coming season look like for your site?
I’d love to do a very small redesign in the next few months, although, great content has always been more important to me than lots of bells and whistles.
What is your favorite artist to listen to while you work (if any)?
There isn’t one specific artist, but I’m big into all of Wes Anderson’s movie soundtracks. The ones from Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums are both on heavy rotation of late.
What advice you would give to a new blogger who is looking to create a successful blog?
Find your voice and hone it – don’t fall into the comparison trap.
