For me better is to

• learn how WordPress work
• buy from themeforest or another market place a very strong Theme
• learn a little Gimp or PS to manipulate images
• learn SEO (see Yoast)
• learn Security (see WordFence)
• learn marketing policy
• learn backup (better use the hosting, do backups and download them on your disk

The Theme is a must, study courses in Udemy on how operate a blog and how to earn money.I hope to help.