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Many non-coder graphic designers who build websites are often drawn to multi-purpose themes such as Divi, Avada, or X.
At first glance, these themes appear to be perfect solutions for designers. They promise visual drag-and-drop builders, complete design freedom, and user-friendly interfaces.
However, as many soon discover, these themes are far from ideal. They tend to be bloated, sluggish, difficult to customise, and offer surprisingly limited scope for creativity or bespoke design—at least, that’s what my students have found.
Read on to learn more and discover a far superior alternative.
Everyone’s complaining!
At Design Build Web, I teach non-coder graphic designers how to create custom-designed, responsive websites easily and efficiently—according to their own unique designs.
My inbox, along with the Facebook groups I’m part of, is overflowing with complaints. These designers are expressing their frustrations with their experiences using multi-purpose WordPress themes like Divi, Avada, or X.
And honestly, I get it.
I’ve worked with all three of those themes myself.
Why do graphic designers choose multi-purpose themes like these?
As a graphic designer aiming to build WordPress websites in line with your personal design vision, ‘pre-designed’ WordPress themes are an absolute no-go. They’re far too restrictive.
You’re a designer, after all!
That’s why the temptation of multi-purpose themes such as Divi, Avada, or X is so compelling.
On the surface, these themes seem to offer ideal solutions for designers. They boast visual builders, boundless design control, and effortless usability.
Now, let’s be clear: This isn’t about bashing these themes. I’m simply recommending an approach I believe is better suited to my audience’s needs, based on a wealth of personal experience—both mine and theirs. That’s all.
What’s so attractive about these themes for designers?
The feature lists on the sales pages of these themes are impressive. The stunning demo websites they showcase are incredibly appealing!
So what’s the problem?
Or: The shattered dreams of multi-purpose themes…
Many of my students are ‘Divi survivors’ who have lived to tell the tale.
I just took a brief look at recent emails in my inbox and scanned through some Facebook groups I’m a member of.
Here are a few of the complaints I found about these themes—compiled in less than a minute of searching:
“I thought Divi seemed like the best option, but it made the whole WordPress experience feel like designing in a straitjacket. To really push the boundaries, you have to become a CSS expert. I haven’t touched WordPress in over a year because Divi frustrated me so much.” – David, via email.
But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom. Keep reading to discover the happy ending to this story…