Source: EventLove
When we design, we are projecting what we want to tell. This process can be difficult and costly in terms of time, since it requires extensive analysis so that the entire ideation process, that is, the entire process that has to do with the sketching and the first designs, is correct.
To make this process much more enjoyable, a kind of technique was designed that facilitated and summarized the entire analysis in different graphic and visual elements. This technique came to be called Moodboard and today it is as much a part of graphic design as it is of brand design.
In this post We come to talk to you about what this wonderful technique offers and how it is designed. If you want to reduce your time in terms of designs and use other objectives that help you achieve your initial purpose of your project, you cannot miss what comes next.
Mood board: what is it
Source: WordPress
the moodboard is defined as a kind of visual technique or tool. There are many types of mood boards but they are usually presented physically or graphically. It tends to be related to what we know as collage, but it goes beyond a simple collage.
It is a mixture of all the ideas and conclusions that we have obtained from an extensive phase of analysis. For you to understand better, it's the end result of all the brain teasing we've had during the editing process.
What is it for
The moodboard has different project objectives, but some of them are classified as:
- It is a tool capable of transforming our ideas (concepts) in the form of graphic or physical elements. It summarizes everything that we have in our mind and offers it a certain shape, color and texture.
- It is shown that when we design a moodboard our creative field increases. And it is not something magical, but rather we work a part of our mind that is dedicated exclusively to creativity and personal work. It is what is projected in a moodboard, the creativity and personality of the designer against the message that he wants to communicate.
- If you are in a design phase where you have stalled and cannot find a way out, the design of a mood board is great for this type of situation. Let's say it's the lifeline of artistic stagnation, since it helps to better clarify the ideas and to organize them and insert them in their corresponding drawer.
- When we design a moodboard, we must also make it clear and know what we are transmitting or communicating a message to our audience that is going to see it. That is why the moodboard must be designed in such a way that it is intentional. The placement and order of all the elements must follow some guidelines and a reason. For this reason, we cannot think randomly, since the process must be linear and accompany all the ideas we have in our minds.
In short, it is a kind of closet where all our mental disasters are organized.
How to design a mood board
Source: Domestika
Concepts or words that define the job
The first thing we must take into account is what our moodboard is going to be based on, for what audience, for what purpose, what theme are we going to use. To answer all these questions we must make a broad list with concepts that bring us closer to a clear answer. These concepts can be close or far from our project or what the client wants. It is recommended to write down a total of 10 key concepts and choose between the first 5. The less you add, the easier it will be for you to decide later, but the fewer ideas you will have. The more you write down, the more difficult it will be to choose, but the more ideas you will project later. You choose.
Look for things that help you.
A good key element that serves to start projecting your first ideas, are undoubtedly the images. Images are visual graphic elements that, due to the construction and colors that they contain, you can begin to have an approximate idea of what you want to convey. For this reason, it is important that you have a collection of images, not very extensive, but the more you find, the more ideas you will have.. Thanks to this mental exercise, you increase your creativity and the chances of getting closer to your final goal increases.
Think about the other elements
When we talk about elements, we refer to all those elements that can be graphic or physical and that can help you with the creative process. In a moodboard it is essential that, in addition to images, you also carry out a broad search for other elements such as textures, chromatic inks, fonts that can offer you a suitable character and fit for your project and for the tone of the message you want to communicate. In short, do not stay with just one element, as it is important that you keep in mind all the others.
Choose and start designing
Once you have all the items laid out on your desk table or on your computer, it's time to begin the final pick and final discard phase. For this reason, you must discard and eliminate those elements that do not serve you, but it is not enough to eliminate them, you must have an obvious reason that you must think about beforehand. Sometimes, the best mood boards have been made with recycled elements from the bin, that is, with elements that have been discarded but that, with a small transformation, have become essential elements for your moodboard.
the end process
If you reach this final phase, it is because you have already opted for those elements that you want to see represented on your moodboard. That's why in the final phase, you just have to put them in order. An order that is made up of a series of sketches prior to the final result and that you will also have to decide which one to choose. Once you have the moodboard designed, you just have to present it. To present it, it is important that you show the process by which you have designed it, because it is important that your public or the client understands where all these elements have come from.
Tools to design a moodboard
Source: Canva
go mood board
With this tool, you will be able to design the best mood boards online. It is characterized by being an easy-to-handle tool. In addition, you do not need to create a previous account, or register or log in. With this tool you can start designing without any problem. It offers a series of blank templates to start from scratch or if you prefer, you also have a series of templates already designed for your possible use.
Nice
Niice is another of the star tools to design moodboards, it is characterized by the wide category of images that it has, in this way, you will be able to inspire yourself and make the best moodboards that you would have ever imagined. Another Niice feature to take into account is that it has a Chrome extension, which allows you to save and download images while browsing the Internet. Its interface is very easy to use, all you have to do is drag the elements that interest you in a kind of blank space. It is undoubtedly one of the best tools to start designing.
Canva
Canva could not miss this celebration of colors and textures. It is another of the most used applications on the internet by many designers and users.. In addition, it has a wide catalog of templates available, the vast majority are free, and the rest are premium. Not only does it have templates, but you can have access to many well-known fonts and many colors. You only have to register with an email or with your Facebook account and you will be able to enjoy the wide range of services it offers. Without a doubt, it is the tool that has been used the most in recent years.
Nor could we leave aside the star tool of creativity and inspiration on the Internet. Pinterest already has more than 1 million users. And it is not surprising because it offers a series of creative boards loaded with images and illustrations to inspire you. To start your creative process, you just have to create your first board, the program will automatically save those elements that interest you and in its initial search engine it will show you those designs that are similar and that are close to your tastes. Without a doubt a marvel.
Conclusion
Designing a mood board is not the same as designing a simple collage. But, as we have been able to verify, a synthesis and a logical order of all the elements that make up our project. Many designers choose to design their mood boards physically and then digitize it.
In this way they can play first hand with the elements, touch their textures and see the colors in a real way. It is a good way to better secure your project.
You no longer have an excuse to start designing them, because we hope that all the tips and tools that we have suggested will be of great help to you.