Microstructures of the component layers play a critical role in the performance of anode supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Conventional SOFC configuration composed of laminated and co-sintered NiO-YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) anode and YSZ electrolyte and screen printed YSZ-LSM (lanthanum-strontium manganite) was used to investigate the performance of the tailored microstructures. Identification of the polarization mechanisms in half and complete cells allowed improving the microstructural development of the electrodes. Polystyrene demonstrated striking features among the pore formers evaluated to optimize the microstructure of Ni-YSZ anodes. The effects of the composition and sintering temperature on the polarization of YSZ-LSM cathodes were investigated to optimize the cathode performance. The contribution of the electrolyte to the ohmic polarization was lowered by decreasing its thickness. Power densities over 1.75 W/cm2 were measured at 800oC in flowing 10% hydrogen - 90% argon gas mixture on the anode side and air on the cathode side.