10 Steps for Creating a Mood Board

1) Direction

Before starting a mood board, we must decide on the direction we want to work towards in terms of style. Will our mood board be physical or digital, practical or explorative?

Once the direction is decided, naming of mood board and writing down ideas is important to start.

2) Materials

Now that you have the direction and name for the board, it is time to start collecting material. Start with any written text, like brand qualities, tag lines or mission and vision statements.

Next, start with the visual elements. Include logos and photographs related to the project.

3) Inspirational Images

The imagery you choose should inspire you. These images should take into consideration the tone and colour palette of your project’s design. Use keywords to find visual elements from online sources.

4) Include motion and sound, when using a digital board

You can embed animations and sound bites into a digital mood board that will enhance the feel of your board and shows how movement or sound will contribute to your project.

5) Colours and fonts

Colours will influence the overall style of the final product. Find colours that will compliment your creative or business project. You can use colours from the image you included in the board to compose a cohesive palette.

Descriptive words are also great to include in a mood board. Select complimentary fonts when using text to enhance the feel of your board. You can use typography galleries to find your preferred fonts.

6) Organise

Once you have all the images, short descriptions and colours, you have to arrange your board, so it makes sense to you and anyone who sees it. Organising your board will be time-consuming, but it won’t be wasted time.

Start with the key design elements and change the size or position of other elements on the board to highlight their importance.

7) Keep an open mind

Even if you think you know exactly what you want, it is important to keep an open mind and always look out for inspiration to find that perfect composition for your board. You never know what will inspire you.

8) Communicate your thought process

If you are planning on sharing your mood board with others, make sure you are able to explain your thinking behind everything you have included in the board. Keep track of all your steps using simple written notes. You can then use these notes to explain why you included what you did and the inspiration behind it.

9) Collaborate

If the project involves other people, make sure you are willing to collaborate with others in the team to reach the final result. Digital mood boards can easily be shared, and other people can collaborate online using the same page.

10) Take feedback

When you think your beautiful mood board is completed, ask others what their thoughts are. Ask about the colours, themes, tone of the board, and images you have included. Make sure you are open to their feedback and willing to make the required changes if the input is valid.

Everyone has their own opinion; of course, you may not always agree with the feedback you receive. That is fine too; just be willing to hear them out and understand where they are coming from.