How to Create a Mood Board
GET INPSIRED
When it comes to plotting out ideas for your branding session, a little Pinterest inspiration (or should I say pin-spiration) can go a long way.
However, even though it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole on Pinterest, tying all the ideas together can feel a bit overwhelming. This is where a mood board comes in super handy.
5 Steps to Creating a Mood Board
Not sure what that is? A mood board is any type of visual presentation that is made up of images, textures, fonts, etc that inspire you. A mood board is an awesome tool you can use to gather your ideas and feelings about your brand in one central place. I highly encourage all of my clients to put one together - even if it’s just to help you pick your outfits for an upcoming branding session.
Many of my branding photography clients have already partnered with a professional web or logo designer and have walked through the mood board process with them. If this is you, I highly encourage you to use that existing mood board as a jumping-off point for your branding session. You definitely want your session to tie in seamlessly with your website and logo, so the work you’ve put in with these professionals is a solid foundation to build on.
Most of us are pretty familiar with navigating Pinterest, but if not you might find this tutorial helpful. Once you’re comfortable with the platform, you’re ready to create a killer inspirational mood board for your branding session by incorporating these five steps.
#1 - Start with what ya got!
Gather up any existing elements you have for your brand. This can include your logo files, brand colors, and fonts. If it’s not broken - don’t fix it! If you have outgrown your current branding elements - it might be a great time for a brand refresh.
#2 - Include imagery that evokes the right feeling
When people come across your brand or business, do you want them to feel a certain way? Perhaps it’s that you want them to feel calm and safe…or energized and excited. When you’re putting together your mood board, do searches using those keywords and pin images that match that vibe.
#3 - Location, location, location
Your mood board should be full of images that mimic the location you want to have your branding shoot at. Whether it’s an ultra-modern loft setting, the beach, or a traditional office space - Pinterest or stock photo sites can be your virtual playground for inspiration here. Search for images that are similar to the location you want your session to take place at.
#4 - Include brand photo inspiration
Next do a search for “headshots” and “brand photography” on Pinterest, feel free to add your industry to narrow the search results. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how creative the standard headshot can be. If you have a team, be sure to include group photos as well. This is also a great place to get inspiration for your clothing, so look for outfit ideas as your browsing, and include them in your board.
#5 - Share the knowledge
Once your mood board is complete, don’t forget to share it with your photographer. Remember - this is just a creative exercise to give you both an idea of what you expect out of your shoot. Sharing your mood board with your photographer will give them a chance to review it, ask questions and be a bigger part of the process - which will only benefit you in the end!
So what do you think? Are you ready to compile a killer mood board and get inspired for your branding session? I hope so! If you’re needing some more pin-spiration, check out this board I put together as an example.