Design turned out really well Carl and I can’t believe you got it so cheap.
Mine cost me around $1,000 with the logo too!
If you're new here, you really should subscribe to my blog's Full RSS feed for FREE! You don't want to miss informative posts! Thanks!
A lot of people have been asking me lately “Where did you get your theme?” “Who designed it?” “Can I use it on my blog too?”
Actually, this post about the new design was only half the story. You see, I ordered a PSD blog design from Design Guru Ryan for $250 to get a completely unique one. His first concept was this:

Although the design was clearly unique, the colors didn’t blend that well and some parts of the blog did not get that much importance like the signup box – that I wanted to prioritize.
After receiving the design, I requested a full revision with the colors I wanted and some more fine tunning. I then got this second one:

I was stunned with the sparkle of the red shadings so I said to myself “This must be it”. Although I didn’t feel that much comfortable with the logo and the featured post box, it was cluttering the whole concept but so far I was satisfied. I sent the payment and let the design sit for about a week.
After that, I browsed for some inspirations for the puny lil’ feed button. Then I saw Freelance Switch’s tucked in RSS. I emailed Collis and asked his permission. Luckily he agreed for me to take the idea.
I also wanted a simpler, less graphic heavy design so I reduced the colors in the header, content and footer. (Design Guru Ryan can’t edit because I only paid for two concepts only) Without further ado, here’s what my photoshop skills worked out:

There you have it folks, Carl Ocab 2.0!
You can read it in the middle part of this post.
It’s like asking Google “Can I use your logo?” – Of course that would be a big NO.
Like my logo, my theme has been established as one of my blog’s brand. Giving it away would degrade and devalue my brand – and what the heck? I paid for it.
Since I’ve seen a lot of people on the hunt for themes like mine, I will create a theme for bloggers and it will probably be available for download next month.
If you have suggestions, feature requests, I would appreciate if you could drop a comment below.
Update: It has arrived, the Ultimate Blogging Theme.
February 25, 2008
Design turned out really well Carl and I can’t believe you got it so cheap.
Mine cost me around $1,000 with the logo too!
February 26, 2008
He did a really good job with the concepts. If you have those designs carl, please give me an email;)
February 26, 2008
You got a VERY VERY good price on this theme. I love it! Very simple :)
-Mike
February 26, 2008
People are retarded for asking to get the theme for free…. Why don’t they get it?
February 28, 2008
If I hadn’t seen this evolution to Carl 2.0, I’d swear it was inspired by another great blog: http://www.Copyblogger.com
Nice site Carl. Just subscribed.
February 28, 2008
I love seeing the design process and how things started, and how they ended!! nice design!
March 30, 2008
Very nice looking site.
May 9, 2008
wow…sure look very kewl, i want one!hehe….
October 22, 2008
I like the last design but I think the colors of the first design is more appropriate for your niche.
November 1, 2008
Thats a great looking blog, just paid for your ultimate blogging theme.