When creating a brand’s overall visual look, developing a moodboard is one of the first steps. A moodboard is a curated collection of images, colors, photographs, fonts, and more that display a particular theme for your brand. It’s important to create the moodboard before any design elements are developed for the brand to ensure everyone is on the same page with the design direction. You can create a moodboard on various platforms, such as Pinterest.com, Photoshop, or even using real-life materials like poster board, paper, and magazine clippings.
To create an effective moodboard, follow these simple do’s and don’ts:
Do include textures, patterns, layouts, fonts, images, and graphics that represent the vibe you envision for your brand. These elements will help create a cohesive visual style that aligns with your brand’s personality and values.
Don’t include everything. Just because you like something doesn’t mean it should represent your brand or be on the moodboard. Avoid adding irrelevant or unrelated items, such as photos of celebrities or sports teams, as they do not contribute to your brand’s identity.
Do have a consistent color scheme throughout the moodboard. This helps convey the overall mood and feel of your brand. When someone looks at your moodboard, they should be able to see the color scheme and understand your brand’s color palette.
Don’t have too many images on your board. The more specific and defined the moodboard is, the better. Narrow it down to the exact vibe you want to convey. Aim for no more than 30 images.
Do refine your board. It may take a few rounds of revisions until you get the moodboard exactly how you want it. Rate the board on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being a perfect reflection of your brand. If the moodboard doesn’t hit a 10, identify what needs to change to achieve that perfect representation, such as adding more color, real-life textures, a more masculine or upscale feel, etc.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create an effective moodboard that will help you establish a cohesive visual story for your brand.
Here’s a few free Canva moodboard templates to get started:
