A mood board is a sequence of photos that suggest a particular theme. Moodboards are created by designers, illustrators, photographers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals to portray the style of a concept.
They may be a great place to start when working on a specific project, serving as a rough sketch for both the group and a catalyst for innovative thinking.
Moodboards, however, have gone a long way since its inception of pasting prints to real boards or making moodboard template PDFs.
Online mood boards may contain video, bring a distant group around each other, and shift over time, the opening creating a completely new realm of creative possibilities.
This post will teach you how to create a mood board utilizing these important features in either a modern or classic manner. Let us take a look.
What is a Moodboard, Exactly?
A mood board, also known as an idea board, is a tool that may be used to assist you to fine-tune your designs and products at the outset of a creative endeavor.
It’s a collection of photos, material pieces, color schemes, and occasionally detailed phrases and fonts that can help you get started on your project.
Who can use Moodboard?
Graphic designers, interior decorators, set designers, fashion designers, photographers, and event planners are among the creative professionals that utilize mood boards.
Generally, anybody creating an object or place that requires a specific feel generally begins by speculating design components and color combinations on a mood board.
What are the Advantages of Mood Boards and Why should You Make Your Own?
Making a mood board serves four key purposes:
1. This improves the development of your thoughts
Maybe you’re beginning with a blank sheet of paper and need some motivation. Maybe you also have a great concept, because you want to remind yourself it will fit together while you envision it and lead yourself through the numerous artistic choices that arise in the future.
A mood board, in any situation, will provide you with the clarity you want before you begin collecting supplies or creating components.
2. Brings a sense of direction
When establishing your logo, business cards, website, or other marketing content, a mood board that appropriately expresses your brand may act as a catalyst to maintain you’re engaged in your marketing strategy.
3. This aids in the conveying of your thoughts to everyone else
A mood board is often created by a creative expert, such as a graphic and interior designer, to express their thoughts to a customer. Following that, the customer will most likely provide input on the entire concept’s applicability or the power of particular things on the mood board above others.
They may even be able to pick from a variety of mood boards created by the designer to provide several alternatives.
4. For the sake of inspiration
A mood board will assist bring things into the light, such as corporate qualities, vision, strategy, and the feelings you want your brand to express if you’re still building over your brand recognition.
What to Include on a Mood Board?
Every mood board is unique, and what a designer includes will alter depending on the job. A mood board for a brand may have many more aspects than one for a packaging and website design.
The main thing is to incorporate as many pieces as are required to portray the design’s overall appearance.
Make Your Own Moodboard : Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make a list of possible themes
From the start, you’ve undoubtedly had certain thoughts. Next think of some terms that are related to all of these concepts, such as style contemporary, tropical, materials polymer, ash hardwood, bamboo, or color for an architectural project mustard yellow, blush pink, forest green.
This can help you find images online, such as on Google, Getty, Unsplash, Pinterest, and Instagram.
If you’re not yet pulled to a specific topic, simply lay back with an industry newspaper or book and let your eyes wander, noting what strikes you.
You’ll be able to come up with something creative quite quickly.
2. Gather your materials
Take your first ideas and push yourself to go beyond the limit to come up with additional. Moodboards can be inspired by movie scenes, magazine shoots, vintage images, artworks, fabric and color palettes, buildings, artifacts, and clothes.
So here are a few suggestions for what to put on a mood board:
- Images: Commercial pictures, stock photography, product images, photographs from Instagram or other photo-sharing platforms, graphics, and even logos are examples of images.
- Colors: Including the concept’s color scheme as samples or merging it into photos and other design components is an important aspect of most mood boards.
- Visual Metaphors: Graphical illusions are an essential aspect of modern marketing and promotion, and they may be used in a variety of ways.
- Moodboard Quotes or Words: Words that relate to the company or the idea that should be delivered may be a crucial component of any mood board.
- Typefaces: For any design with a lot of text, designers should incorporate particular fonts (or at least generic font styles) on their mood boards. Don’t forget about typography: an old-school serif font will have quite different implications than a clean and current sans-serif style, which makes it an excellent tool for highlighting keywords or significant statements.
- Clarifications: If necessary, descriptions for features shown in the mood board would provide insight and clarify things to visualize how the many components will come together to form the final design.
- Textures: The mood board also included any fabrics or colors that will be used in the design.
3. Your board should be reviewed
It’s likely that you’ll have more stuff than you need. Customize by selecting photographs and samples that work well together, adding some variety to show your uniqueness (or, whether you’re caring for an individual, to boost your chances of being liked).
It’s crucial to have a consistent color scheme, to get rid of everything that clashes.
Consider eye-dropping five main colors from the photographs into palettes if you’re constructing a digital board.
If you’re building a physical board, you can get a similar effect by using real paint and material samples.
Physical Moodboard vs Digital Moodboard
When creating a mood board or vision board, one of the most important decisions to make is whether you would like it to be real or digital.
Making a mood board is not always difficult. It’s entirely up to you even if you use photographs from the Web and put them together online, or if you take simple foam board, glue, and a bundle of newspapers.
A. Physical Mood Board
You may make a tangible mood board which you can feel if you like to do things the old-fashioned way. The usual option is to use physical mood boards.
Use a foam board foundation and spray attach graphics and stuff to the plate to form one. For optimal results, cut out your photos precisely and adhere to those on the board with liquid glue.
The wood pinboard with needles, on the other hand, might be a stylish method to exhibit your ideas. Magazines, newspapers, old books, your favorite images, or items from a craft/art supply store, fabric store, or surplus store can all be used to create your library.
B. Digital Mood Board
Digital mood boards are a modern alternative. They make it simple to include photographs from the web or items you’ve digitally captured. You may use a variety of online media or mood board tools to put these photos together.
6 Best Online MoodBoard Software
- Pinterest Moodboard. is one of the most popular. This social networking site makes it simple to organize photographs into themed “boards.” It’s really useful for finding fresh photographs, so you’ll want to utilize it at least throughout the preliminary stages. Making a board for each project is an excellent method to manage internet ideas. It is possible to make a board public. An additional benefit is that many individuals are already familiar with the site, making collaboration with others simple.
- Moodboard. You don’t need an account to create free mood boards. Templates are available to assist you in getting started, or you may start from scratch. Moodboard is a non-linear and non-collaborative mood board organizer that allows you to manage, create, and share mood boards with others. Photo editing, pdf, and png export, and the capacity to manage many boards are all available as useful tools.
- Canva. Canva moodboard offers free online graphic-design tools as an alternative to costly professional software. This mood board creator features a simple drag-and-drop user experience and a variety of template possibilities. It’s a professional-looking solution for showing your work to others because of the simple format. Canva has mood board designs as well as a library of fonts, design components, and stock pictures.
- Moodzer. Moodzer is a newcomer to the market (currently in beta), and it looks to have all of the necessary tools for creating beautiful mood boards that are simple to share.
- Milanote. It’s yet another excellent web application. It also has some useful extra capabilities, such as the flexibility to upload films and gifs, font files, even text remarks to illustrate your thoughts.
- Adobe Spark. Adobe Spark is a program that allows you to create your own Adobe Spark makes creating mood boards in versions compatible with other Adobe applications simple. With a collection of stock pictures, typefaces, and design components, they provide lots of freedom for designing mood boards in multiple forms and sizes.
How to Make a Free Moodboard Online
Before moving on to this part, have a look at some of the best online mood board maker apps I mentioned before.
1. Determine the scope of your project
Moodboards might be precise and practical, including typefaces, color combinations, and pictures that you intend to use in the finished product, or they might just be about discovering the mood of the story.
You may perform these two categories in any order, or you can execute one for the first time.
2. Gather source materials
Once you’ve decided on a mood boards approach, add any textual content you already have. It might contain product principles, marketing phrases, slogans, or any other aspects of the requirement that will excite and motivate you.
After that, include any logos, current brand manifestations such as websites, design components, or photos. These may or may not be included in the finished mood board, but they’re worth mentioning.
3. Include motivational images
The picture you use in your mood board may have a major impact on how your project looks and feels, so select wisely! Tone, cropping, lighting, and color may all be defined by these photographs.
Whether you have a collection of photographs in an inspiration gallery, now is the time to check if you have anything that could work. Alternatively, you might begin by looking for graphic components on the internet.
Dribbble, Behance, and Designspiration are just a few of the excellent places where you may get free visual inspiration.
4. Include motion and sound demonstrations
It’s feasible to include examples about how motion and graphics might add to a piece of original thinking in an online moodboard template.
To add animation and dimension to the appearance and feel of your board, use GIFs via Giphy, youtube clips, or even music from Spotify.
5. Include color, and fonts
Color may be a powerful tool for expressing a specific mood, attitude, or energy. “Color is life,” said a famous painter.
Adobe color is an excellent place to start when looking for colors that go along with the product you’re working on. One approach is to choose colors based on the graphics and photographs you’ve placed on the board.
Through certain phrases, typography, or analogies, text may also add a lot to a mood board. Typewolf and other font libraries are excellent resources for experimenting with different font pairings and sizes.
6. Arrange your mood board
After you’ve gathered all of your ideas in one room, the following step is to set up them to make the ideal harmony.
Begin by learning about composting and hierarchy. Adjust the size and arrangement of the remaining pieces to highlight their significance and ties to one another, and center your board with a crucial element like a logo.
7. Describe your thought process
A mood board is a useful tool for conveying the visual appearance of your project in a manner that words cannot always do. However, if you intend to share your moodboard with a user or group, you should include some note cards about your thought process.
It will assist you in explaining your thoughts and keeping it all in balance.
8. Bringing everything together
Place your materials and photographs on your mood board now that you’ve collected and organized them. Focus on major ideas using larger images, and surround them with smaller images or resources to support your point.
How many types of Moodboard are there?
Mood boards are an essential tool for designers, creatives, and anyone looking to bring their vision to life. They’re a visual representation of a concept, idea, or theme that can help you stay focused, inspired, and on track.
1. Digital Mood Boards
Digital mood boards are created on a computer or mobile device using software or online tools. They’re convenient and can be easily shared with others. Some popular options for creating digital mood boards include:
- Canva: This graphic design platform has a wide variety of templates and design elements to choose from.
- Pinterest: This social media platform allows you to create boards and save images from around the web.
- Milanote: This online tool is specifically designed for creating mood boards and other visual projects.
Example: A digital mood board for a beach-themed wedding might include images of ocean waves, seashells, and tropical flowers.
2. Physical Mood Boards
Physical mood boards are created by hand using materials such as paper, fabric, and other objects. They’re tactile and can be more immersive than digital mood boards. Some materials that can be used to create physical mood boards include:
- Foam board: This lightweight material is easy to work with and can be cut to any size.
- Magazine clippings: These can be used to create collages or add visual interest to a mood board.
- Fabric swatches: These can add texture and color to a mood board.
Example: A physical mood board for a rustic kitchen design might include samples of wood finishes, photos of vintage kitchenware, and fabric swatches in warm earth tones.
3. Color Scheme Mood Boards
Color scheme mood boards focus on a specific color palette and can be used to set the tone for a design project. They can be created digitally or physically and can help you visualize how different colors work together. Some tools for creating color scheme mood boards include:
- Adobe Color: This online tool allows you to create color palettes and save them for future use.
- Coolors: This app generates color schemes based on your preferences and can be used to create mood boards.
- Pantone Color Finder: This tool allows you to search for specific colors and find matching palettes.
Example: A color scheme mood board for a modern living room might include shades of gray, white, and pops of yellow.
4. Texture Mood Boards
Texture mood boards focus on the tactile qualities of materials and can be used to add depth and interest to a design project. They can be created digitally or physically and can include materials such as:
- Wood: This material can add warmth and texture to a mood board.
- Fabric: Different fabrics can add different textures and patterns to a mood board.
- Stone: Natural stone materials can add a sense of solidity and weight to a mood board.
Example: A texture mood board for a bohemian bedroom might include fabrics with fringe, macrame wall hangings, and woven baskets.
5. Manifestation boards
Manifestation boards, also known as dream board ideas, are a popular tool for visualizing and manifesting your goals and dreams.
By creating a physical representation of your desires, you can focus your energy and attention on achieving them. From career goals to personal relationships and health, there’s no limit to what you can manifest with a powerful vision board.
Example: A manifestation board for a freelance writer might include images of a laptop, a coffee shop, and a successful writer who inspires you.
Vision board vs Mood board
Vision boards and mood boards are both powerful visual tools for achieving your goals and expressing your creativity. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Let’s explore the differences between vision boards and mood boards and provide examples to help you choose which one is right for you.
Vision Board
Vision boards are designed to help you visualize your goals and aspirations. They are typically focused on a specific area of your life, such as career, relationships, or health, and include images and quotes that represent your desired state.
Vision boards are often used to help people clarify their goals and stay motivated to achieve them.
Example: A vision board for someone looking to start their own business might include images of successful entrepreneurs, a logo of their desired company, and quotes about entrepreneurship.
✅Benefits of Vision Board
The benefits of vision boards include increased clarity around your goals, improved motivation and focus, and a sense of accomplishment as you achieve your desired outcomes.
Vision boards can help you break down your goals into manageable steps and keep you on track towards achieving them.
Example: A vision board for someone looking to improve their physical health might include images of healthy foods, a workout plan, and motivational quotes to help them stay focused on their fitness goals.
MoodBoard
Mood boards, on the other hand, are designed to express a particular mood or feeling. They are often used by artists, designers, and creatives to explore different color palettes, textures, and visual elements.
Mood boards can be used to inspire a creative project, such as a website design or fashion collection, or simply to explore a particular aesthetic.
Example: A mood board for a fashion designer might include images of fabrics, textures, and colors that inspire their creative vision.
✅Benefits of MoodBoard
The benefits of mood boards include improved creativity, inspiration, and the ability to explore different aesthetic directions. Mood boards can help you clarify your visual style and provide a starting point for a creative project.
Example: A mood board for an interior designer might include images of different textures, colors, and furniture styles to help them explore different design possibilities for a room.
Best moodboard app for Interior Design
There are several great moodboard apps available for interior design, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best moodboard apps for interior design:
🔸Canva: Canva is a popular graphic design platform that allows users to create a variety of design projects, including mood boards. With a wide range of templates, graphics, and images to choose from, Canva makes it easy to create a professional-looking mood board for your interior design project.
🔸Morpholio Board: Morpholio Board is a digital platform designed specifically for interior designers. It allows users to create and share mood boards, floor plans, and other design elements in a collaborative environment.
With a variety of customization options and an intuitive interface, Morpholio Board is a great option for professional interior designers.
🔸Pinterest: While not specifically designed for interior design, Pinterest is a popular platform for creating and sharing mood boards. With a vast collection of images and ideas related to interior design, Pinterest is a great resource for finding inspiration and creating your own mood boards.
🔸Milieu: Milieu is a mobile app designed specifically for interior designers and architects. It offers a variety of features, including the ability to create mood boards, annotate images, and share projects with clients.
With a user-friendly interface and a range of customization options, Milieu is a great option for professional interior designers on the go.
🔸Sampleboard: Sampleboard is a digital platform that allows users to create and share mood boards, color palettes, and material samples for interior design projects.
With a library of over 50,000 products and the ability to upload your own images and samples, Sampleboard makes it easy to create a comprehensive mood board for your interior design project.
Overall, the best moodboard app for interior design will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Consider the features and customization options of each app to determine which one will work best for your project.
How to make a mood board on iphone?
Creating a mood board on an iPhone can be a fun and creative way to explore different design ideas and inspirations. Here’s how you can make a mood board on your iPhone:
Choose a mood board app: There are several mood board apps available on the App Store, such as Canva, Moodboard Lite, and Sampleboard. Choose the one that best suits your needs and download it onto your iPhone.
Collect images: Once you have your mood board app installed, it’s time to start collecting images that inspire you. You can use the app’s built-in search feature to find images or upload your own photos and graphics from your camera roll.
Arrange your images: After collecting your images, arrange them on your mood board in a way that expresses the mood or aesthetic you’re going for. You can drag and drop images to different positions, resize them, or add text or labels to further customize your mood board.
Experiment with color: Experiment with different color combinations to create a cohesive and visually appealing mood board. You can add color swatches, gradients, or filters to your images to achieve the desired effect.
Save and share: Once you’re happy with your mood board, save it to your camera roll or share it directly from the app to social media or with collaborators. You can also print your mood board for use in presentations or as a visual aid for your design project.
Overall, creating a mood board on an iPhone is a simple and creative process that can help you explore different design ideas and inspirations.
With the right mood board app and a collection of inspiring images, you can create a visual representation of your vision and bring your design project to life.
How to Choose Your Moodboard Format?
Consider the following factors when deciding whether to make your moodboard analog or digital:
- Is it local or faraway clients or persons with whom you’re interacting? If they live a long way apart, a digital mood board that you can send or give a link to would be more convenient.
- What role do textures have in your life? A physical board may be the ideal option for you if you believe your thoughts are best communicated via genuine fabrics and materials that a person may experience with their fingertips.
- Where do you get the majority of your mood board items? If you find yourself spending a lot of time online and storing photographs that inspire you, consider going digital. If you enjoy reading periodicals and already have a stack on hand, go physical. Use your skills to your advantage.
Closing Thoughts
Whether it’s arranging a party or designing a film set, a mood board inspo may be crucial to the success of many creative projects. You know more about your company’s history, mission, goals, and culture than anyone else.
Making a mood board for your new firm is a great way to start identifying and developing your brand.
It will serve as a starting point when you begin to develop your company’s marketing strategy, guiding you from a mood board to something as powerful and memorable as this brand identity bundle.
When it comes to communicating the attributes of your brand to a designer, you may discover that thought struck you.
However, as designers have a wide range of skills, prophetic visions are rarely one among them. A mood board is a great way to start. So, how can you convey your brand effectively? Share your thoughts.
FAQ
Q: What is a vision board?
A: A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and aspirations, often focused on a specific area of your life.
Q: What is a mood board?
A: A mood board is a visual representation of a particular mood or feeling, often used to inspire a creative project or explore a particular aesthetic.
Q: What are the benefits of a vision board?
A: The benefits of a vision board include increased clarity around your goals, improved motivation and focus, and a sense of accomplishment as you achieve your desired outcomes.
Q: What are the benefits of a mood board?
A: The benefits of a mood board include improved creativity, inspiration, and the ability to explore different aesthetic directions.
Q: How are vision boards and mood boards different?
A: Vision boards are focused on visualizing your desired outcomes, while mood boards are focused on exploring a particular aesthetic or mood.
Q: Can vision boards and mood boards be used together?
A: Yes, vision boards and mood boards can be used together to create a comprehensive visual representation of your goals and creative vision.
Q: Who typically uses vision boards and mood boards?
A: Vision boards are often used by individuals looking to achieve personal or professional goals, while mood boards are often used by artists, designers, and creatives looking to explore different aesthetic directions.
Q: How do you create a vision board or mood board?
A: To create a vision board or mood board, gather images and other visual elements that represent your goals or desired aesthetic and arrange them on a board or digital platform. You can also include quotes or other inspirational messages to reinforce your desired outcomes.
