Is there anything more fun than creating a mood board? It’s that initial jumping-off point in a project where the possibilities are seemingly endless and you can allow your creative mind to roam free.

While there are no hard and fast rules for what to include in your mood board, it’s important to remember that you are building what will ultimately become your brand's visual and emotional foundation. If you need a little guidance, here are a few fundamental elements to keep in mind:

Imagery: The images you choose play an important role in bringing your brand together. Make sure you pay attention to the overall mood of the images you choose to be sure they accurately reflect the kind of emotions you want to evoke.

Typography:  Consider the vibe of your brand. Is it classic and traditional? Open and minimal? Make sure the fonts you choose are going to accurately reflect the impression you’re trying to create. Also, be sure to consider legibility in the fonts you explore.

Color: Color is another element that evokes emotion, so make sure you choose colors that create your desired tone. To make choosing your color palette easier, think about using your favorite color as a starting point.

Patterns and Texture: Considering options for patterns and texture can add depth to your mood board that ordinary photos don’t provide. Exploring patterns and texture is especially important if your brand involves product packaging. Do you want your packaging to have a subtle background pattern? What kind of paper texture will you use?

Descriptive Words: You don’t have to adhere to just visual imagery. Descriptive words, phrases, and quotations can go a long way in helping you discover the right kind of energy for your brand. Think of some adjectives that you would use to describe your brand, or do a search for a quotation that you feel captures the impression you want to make.

For more mood board inspiration, check out these links:

How to Choose Your Brand Imagery

How to Choose Your Brand’s Color Palette

How to Choose Your Brand’s Typography

Ready to start your mood board? Try these options:

Adobe Express

Canva

Milanote

Moodboard