A mood board is a creative visual tool that pulls together an assortment of images, copy, and design elements that represent a distinct mood, concept, or style. Mood boards are an invaluable asset that can be used in various creative domains; graphic design, interior decorating, fashion, advertising, and marketing. However, we’re taking it one step further and finding value in their use when it comes to manufacturing. More specifically, sampling and product development. In fact, when it comes to product development, it is often times one of the first questions we ask, “do you have a mood board?” Learn more about how we work, HERE.

The core purpose of a mood board lies in its ability to articulate the overarching look and feel of a project while transforming abstract ideas into tangible visuals. This can include images that display colorways, color combinations, functionalities, examples of products in use or in the field, descriptive copy, etc.

You’ll hear a lot about what should/should not be on your mood board. Our thought on that is simple…it’s YOUR mood board.

There are several motives for compiling a mood board. Below are some reasons as seen through the eyes of manufacturing and product development:

1. Visual Expression: Mood boards excel at the art of translating ideas, emotions, and concepts into an assortment of images. They offer a more effective channel for conveying the intended aesthetic or ambiance. With a mood board, we get a great glimpse into your vision, dream, etc.

2. Fountain of Creativity: The process of crafting a mood board involves cultivating your inspiration. Curating images, colors, textures, and other elements that harmonize with your project's theme or concept can set creativity ablaze. Not only within yourself but also within us.

3. Consistency in Design: In the realm of multifaceted projects (be it branding, web design, etc.), a mood board functions as a guide for preserving visual consistency. It becomes the true north for design choices, ensuring that all facets align with the envisioned look and feel. As a manufacture that also offers design and creative, this is invaluable as we head down the path of design services.

4. Client Harmony: When we begin collaborating with clients, a mood board becomes a shared vision. It empowers clients to visualize the project's trajectory and can offer early feedback. This minimizes confusion and curtailing that pushes projects into subsequent revisions.

5. Efficiency in Time and Resources: Mood boards operate as guardians of time and resources by settling design decisions upfront. They serve as gatekeepers against costly alterations and revisions by ushering in a clear visual direction right from the project's inception. This has a positive impact on down stream activies such as the procurement of raw materials.

6. Laser Focus on Projects: The mood board serves as a driver that keeps the project team steadfastly aligned with the agreed-upon style and mood throughout the developmental journey.

Mood boards can take diverse forms, from tangible boards adorned with printed imagery to digital, online tools. Digital mood boards prove particularly adept when collaborating with dispersed teams and clients, such as working with your manufacturer.

Here are our favorites tools to assist in developing your mood board:

1. Pinterest. Probably the most popular and easy to use. Image sharing designed to enable saving and discovery of information.

2. Canva. Real-time collaboration, a drag-and-drop editor, and thousands of templates & elements.

3. Moodzer. The ultimate collage maker. Easily add your images, and in seconds, moodzer creates a custom gridded mood board.

In sum, a thoughtfully crafted mood board represents an invaluable channel for giving tangible shape to creative visions while ensuring consistency of the desired aesthetic. Ultimately, this will save you time. And saving time means saving money.

What does your next project call for? Need help finding a solution? HBI is here to help. Please CONTACT US today.