Those who want to test the waters first and see how blogging works with WordPress can create a WordPress account and take advantage of its repository of free themes and plugins.
What usually sets the tone of the direction of a WordPress site is the choice of theme. If you are looking for a basic WordPress theme, then you can simply browse your choices once you have logged in and started setting up.
Most people will recommend their own theme or pitch you a popular DIY solution that poses performance or security risks over time.
With the introduction of Gutenberg in WordPress 5.0 (December 2018), building flexible landing pages and beautiful articles is easier now more than ever. You no longer need a complex multipurpose theme to get the job done (one that bundles a custom-made page builder or a complex and bloated solution such as Visual Composer).
Aside from the dozen or so blocks included in the WordPress core, there are several block directories (libraries) including more popular blocks such as testimonials, CTA sections, galleries, etc. Atomic Blocks and Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg are two popular options you can look up (free from WordPress.org).
Thus, you can browse for a free theme from WordPress.org that resembles the look and feel and the core layout you prefer. All free themes from the official WordPress repository go through a rigorous code review cycle and follow the best practices required to build a stable theme.
Of course, for best results, you would need a freelancer that really excels at building successful solutions. But when it comes to a simple blog for a pet project of yours or your hobby, free works really well since Gutenberg was introduced.
