Whether you’re making your first ever moodboard or have made tons and are looking for inspiration to do something new, I’ve got great tips!
You can create your moodboard either physically on paper or foam or digitally using design websites. Personally, I prefer hard copy moodboards because you can add small touches like fabrics to your pictures and text to explore texture as well.
So here’s how I create my moodboards:
1. Start by gathering random images and ideas that inspire you
Often, finding a picture or aesthetic you absolutely love can spark an idea for your theme. For me, I usually start with one or two keywords like flowers or vintage and look for anything that catches my eye. If you find an image you want to use, you can build your idea around that aesthetic. At this stage, it’s just about finding what’s visually pleasing to you.
2. Consider the connotations of the colors you choose
If you want to convey serenity and peace, cool colors like green and blue might suit you well. If your vision is more bold and you’re looking to take risks, try bright colors like reds and oranges. Colors are powerful in capturing emotions, and making a good moodboard is just as much about how the colors make you feel as how they look on the page.
3. Make a list of adjectives you want to describe your board
This is especially helpful when you’re adding elements and tying the different colors together. If your list includes words like dark, modern, edgy, and smooth, you might want to consider glossy textures and sharp corners. If you’re going for a more romantic, soft, whimsical feel, you can explore puffy fabrics, layers, and rounded corners. Would those words come to mind when looking at your board? What can you add or change to make your board seem more clean, vibrant, or elegant?
4. Size determines importance
When you’re arranging pictures, words, or accessories on the page, make sure you position them according to how much you want them to stand out. A helpful exercise I use is to look away from the board for a minute or so and then look back and notice where my eye is naturally drawn to. What catches my attention first? Is there something that takes up too much visual space or not enough? The way your moodboard is organized should be a reflection of what you want to emphasize.
5. Less is more
Believe me, I know what it’s like to have too many ideas for a project and be too attached to throw any out. But a moodboard is the most helpful to you when it’s simple. Be critical about the pictures and text you choose to include, and only put in what is essential for your vision. Keeping yourself limited to only a few elements will make sure that what you do use is perfect. And remember, you can always use those extra ideas in the future! Making multiple boards with different themes can serve as inspiration down the road as well.
Creating a moodboard is a different process for each person, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s all about building the mood you want for your project, and a successful moodboard is anything that speaks to you.
Good luck creating, and have fun!!
Not sure if a moodboard is what you need, read my previous article in this series - “3 Reasons to Create a Moodboard”
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