What is a mood board?

A Mood Board is essentially a collage composed of various items. This could include a variety of mediums such as photos, colours, patterns, textures and fonts.

Primarily used to evoke a desired feeling, style, or ambience, a mood board is the perfect start to a branding project. You can easily create your own too, with Apps such as Pinterest, Dribble and Behance.

A great Visual Reference


Having not always used Mood Boards, I trialed it recently when starting the White Powder project. After this experience, adding mood boards to the Certo logo design process made total sense.

Through our design experiences we have learned that phrases such as 'modern' and 'clean' mean different things to different clients. We all have different perceptions after all.

White Powder Mood Board

So when we met with Ian at White Powder we arrived armed with a mood board. This gave a great focal point for our conversation and helped to develop a clearer understanding. The client could clearly see the concept I was envisioning. In fact, referencing the Mood Board helped him to explain his ideas too.

Words can cause misunderstandings when talking about visual projects and a mood board helped to overcome this. It proved to be a great tool for helping clients comprehend the concepts we have envisioned and talked about.

Helps to develop a Colour Palette


A Mood Board certainly helps to visualise an overall brand identity, In addition to this, it helps to select a colour palette too. A Mood Board will incorporate a variety of colours, and by carefully selecting a few of these it ensures the final colour palette matches the overall aesthetic of the brand. Plus, this can be applied to other elements too, such as fonts and patterns. All elements can be utilised, it provides a great starting point for any branding project.

White Powder Colour Palette

Shortens the Design Process


By using a Mood Board I have found that it helps to reduce the number of revisions I make during the design process. Whether it is a for a logo or brand identity. After all it is much easier to change than a logo design. This visual aid helps me to get the feedback that is needed to progress a project. Before starting any design, I already know the direction I plan on going. Whereas it also helps gives the client more confidence, having already seen the visual concept proposed with the mood board.

Encourages Creativity


Last but not least, using a Mood Board as part of my design process lets me push the boundaries further. Multiple concepts can be put together quickly, therefore enabling me to offer more than just a safe design that I think you would like. I can offer you an alternative take and some food for thought. After all, if you like the look of my portfolio then it would be safe to assume that you might like a few of my other ideas too.


Like what you see? Do you need a Logo Design?
Certo Design has nearly a decade of experience in Logo design and branding. So when you are ready we are here to help you and your business grow. Just get in touch to see how we can assist you!


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