BRAND MOOD BOARD: THE SECRET TO BUILDING A COHESIVE AND ATTRACTIVE BRAND

A brand mood board is a powerful design tool that narrates the visual story of your brand. It plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a consistent, attractive look for your brand, making it essential for shaping your brand’s visual aesthetic.

Mood boards encompass a variety of elements, including typography, color palettes, textures, and patterns—all of which contribute to your brand’s overall vibe.

Creating a mood board is a vital step in your brand design process, as it lays the groundwork for your visual identity. It streamlines your design decisions and guides you toward achieving the cohesive and consistent brand identity you desire.

What is a mood board?

A mood board serves as the design inspiration for your brand, acting as a curated collection of imagery that captures the desired look and feel. It encompasses colors, fonts, textures, and even words that reflect the company’s personality.

Creatives and designers have long utilized mood boards to steer their creative process, initially developed to convey emotional qualities between designers and clients. Research indicates that viewing images can evoke a sense of both detachment and engagement (Grimshaw and Ravetz, 2005; Taussig, 1993), as well as combine rationality with emotionality (Belova, 2006), promoting both cognitive and emotional engagement.

In essence, mood boards bridge the gap between logical business objectives and the emotional, intangible aspects of design psychology. They provide a holistic view of what you aim to achieve through your design efforts.

Mood board vs brand board

A brand mood board differs from a traditional style guide or brand board in that it serves as an inspirational starting point for creativity rather than a strict guideline for designing your brand.

Your mood board acts as the initial foundation for crafting your brand identity. In contrast, a brand board is the finalized document showcasing your brand logos, sub-marks, icons, complete color palette, patterns, illustrations, typography, and images for visual direction.

For instance, take a look at the mood board I created for Forest Tails. While the brand style guide incorporates elements from the mood board, it also includes the logo suite, sub-marks, icons, the full color palette, and typography.

When should I build a mood board?

While many people mistakenly begin their branding journey with a mood board, it should not be the first step. Before gathering inspiration, it’s crucial to develop your brand strategy, which addresses the “why” behind how your brand should look and feel.

Once you’ve established your brand strategy, you can delve into your brand essence and start collecting visual inspiration that aligns with your desired brand identity.

After creating your brand, mood boards can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for various creative projects within your business, such as:

  • New product launches
  • Seasonal sales campaigns
  • New courses or programs
  • Brand photoshoots
  • Podcast graphics
  • Online memberships
  • Books, eBooks, and PDFs
  • Office or studio design

You can create different mood boards for specific campaigns, programs, or products, as well as for sales pages, website design, and microsites or apps.

Mood board for brand consistency

Your mood board is a foundational step in creating a cohesive brand identity. It outlines the vision for your visual identity, helping to convey the deeper goals of your business.

While you may be familiar with color psychology and its power to evoke feelings, it’s important to recognize that fonts also have personalities that can influence our emotions and perceptions. A font can convey a sense of happiness, professionalism, or whimsy, impacting how we interpret the text.

Choosing colors, fonts, and patterns in isolation can lead to mismatches. For example, a color you love might not pair well with a font you admire, or a pattern may clash with your chosen photography style. However, by assembling these elements in a mood board, you can more easily assess whether they harmonize and enhance your brand.

Research published in the Journal of Business Research indicates that mood boards facilitate brand coordination by:

  • Setting the scene
  • Directing and aligning activities
  • Establishing a reference point

Rather than constraining creativity, mood boards encourage it by:

  • Allowing room for interpretation
  • Providing inspiration
  • Enabling self-expression and a unique style

When everyone in your organization works from the same design inspiration, it fosters a consistent approach across your brand identity, website design, packaging, and marketing materials, streamlining the branding process.

For small business owners who may be working with multiple freelancers or external suppliers, a mood board serves as a clear communication tool for design concepts.

A mood board is a powerful tool for ensuring your team stays aligned, whether you’re working with in-house designers, new staff members, or external freelancers and agencies. I’ve found that sharing brand mood boards with photographers and copywriters effectively conveys the brand’s look and feel. Sometimes, having both visual and verbal cues can make communication even clearer and more effective.

What to include on a brand mood board

While there are no strict rules for creating a brand mood board, following some useful frameworks can help guide your choices. Typically, a brand mood board includes:

  • Brand vibe words: Key descriptors that capture the essence of your brand.
  • Type inspiration: Fonts that align with your brand’s personality.
  • Logo inspiration: Visual references for logo designs.
  • Colour palette: A selection of colors that represent your brand’s aesthetic.
  • Photography: Images that evoke the desired mood and style.
  • Art: Artwork that resonates with your brand identity.
  • Quotes: Inspirational phrases that reflect your brand values.
  • Textures: Material qualities that contribute to your brand’s feel.
  • Patterns: Designs that complement your overall theme.
  • Illustrations: Visual elements that add personality.

Aim for a diverse collection of inspirations to provide a holistic sense of how your brand should be communicated, avoiding an over-reliance on any single element like photos or textures.

Choosing a colour palette for your mood board

Selecting a color palette for your mood board is one of the most vital steps in establishing a brand identity. It’s essential not only to choose colors that reflect your brand’s essence but also to select hues that will inspire and engage your ideal clients.

Color psychology plays a significant role in our daily lives, influencing how customers perceive and interact with their surroundings. People often make choices based on color, whether it’s for their homes, workplaces, vehicles, or even clothing. This impact extends to how they respond to brands.

When crafting your brand mood board, draw color inspiration from the images and elements within the board itself. Ensure that there’s sufficient contrast among the chosen colors to maintain visual clarity; you’ll need colors that work well for both backgrounds and text. A well-thought-out color palette will not only enhance your brand’s visual appeal but also resonate with your audience on an emotional level.

HOW MANY COLOURS TO CHOOSE?

The number of colors you select for your brand mood board should reflect the depth and complexity of your brand identity. To maintain consistency across all branding materials, such as logo design and website themes, it’s ideal to limit your palette. Aiming for five colors is generally a good rule of thumb.

If you’re targeting a high-end or luxury market, consider narrowing your palette even further to 2-4 main colors. This minimalist approach enhances the elegance and sophistication of your brand, making it more recognizable and cohesive across various platforms.

ACCENTS, NEUTRALS AND COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS

When selecting a color palette, begin with your ‘body’ colors, which are the primary colors that will define your brand. From there, choose an accent color to add visual interest and a neutral tone for balance (commonly, black is used in logos).

It’s essential to consider the tones of the colors you choose. Aim for colors that share similar or complementary tones, as this will create a harmonious and cohesive look for your brand. This careful selection will enhance the overall aesthetic and effectiveness of your branding materials.

Mood board for brand identity 

When creating a mood board for your brand identity, it’s essential to first consult your brand strategy to understand how your brand should look and feel. While it’s helpful to be aware of your competitors’ brands, building a unique brand that stands out relies on your distinct energy, skills, and vision.

Begin by identifying 2-3 words that describe how you want your brand to look and 3 words that capture how you want it to feel. Keep in mind that your mood board is just the starting point of your brand identity.

The fonts you select for your mood board may not be the final choices. Small text snippets can appear visually appealing but may not function well in practical applications. Therefore, view your mood board as a springboard for creativity.

You may also need to adjust color selections to better align with your imagery or enhance text readability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with shades and tints of the colors on your board to achieve the desired effect.

Brand mood board examples

The mood board below represents Ayurvedic Mentor, an online health and wellness membership developed by Dr. Sam Watts at Mind Body Medical. The goal was to craft a brand that not only reflects the ancient roots of Ayurveda but also resonates with a sense of familiarity and safety for its audience.

I aimed for a bright and welcoming aesthetic, while also embodying natural warmth. The selected colors, textures, and imagery are designed to evoke a feeling of comfort and connection to nature, inviting members to explore their health and wellness journey with ease and confidence.

The colors are vibrant, while the fonts are kept simple and minimalist to enhance readability. The imagery deliberately shifts focus away from individuals’ faces, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. This approach allows the brand to resonate with a broader audience, inviting everyone to connect with the principles of Ayurveda and their own wellness journey.

Mood board for personal brand

When I began my career in branding and marketing, I inadvertently crafted a strong personal brand that caught the attention of the directors at the large FTSE 100 company where I worked.

My secret? Leopard print, high heels, boundless ideas, and unwavering confidence.

At that time, I was young, naïve, and bursting with enthusiasm for marketing. During the day, I focused on point-of-sale strategies for our 400+ stores, while at night, I embraced my role as a singer. The confidence I exuded on stage naturally carried over into my daily work.

Admittedly, my choices raised a few eyebrows, but they also brought some much-needed brightness to the grey boardroom, sparking conversations. Even though my 6-inch glitter heels were impractical for the countless steps I took daily, they positioned me front and center when anyone mentioned the 300-strong marketing department. I became known as “the new girl with the shoes.” Influential people remembered me, and because I excelled in my work and was eager to share my ideas, I left a positive impression.

The key to establishing a personal brand is to be distinct and consistent while considering your unique strengths and the value you offer. My style mirrored my energy, creativity, and passion, but yours may look completely different. Think of Steve Jobs, with his minimalist aesthetic of polo necks, jeans, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

Creating a mood board is an excellent way to visualize your desired brand identity or personal style. If I were to design a personal brand mood board for my 22-year-old self, it would capture the essence of my boldness and individuality.

Journal prompts for creating a personal brand

If you want to create a mood board for your personal brand, start by defining your style inspiration. Consider the following questions to guide your thoughts:

  • How would you (or others) describe your vibe?
  • What do you want to be known for?
  • How do you want people to feel around you?
  • What impact do you want to create?
  • If you could leave everyone you meet feeling one thing, what would it be?

Creating a personal brand mood board can help you communicate a consistent message for lasting impact. Remember, personal brands, like business brands, grow, change, and evolve over time.

Here’s a mood board I made to inspire my personal brand last year. As you can see, things have changed quite a bit in the last 20 years!

conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a cohesive and beautiful brand hinges on the strategic use of a mood board. This powerful tool not only helps you visualize and articulate your brand’s identity but also serves as a guiding framework for maintaining consistency across all touchpoints. By integrating elements like color palettes, typography, textures, and imagery, a mood board encapsulates the essence of your brand and communicates its personality effectively.

Whether you’re starting a new venture or refreshing an existing brand, investing time in creating a well-thought-out mood board lays the groundwork for a compelling visual narrative. It fosters clarity and alignment among team members and collaborators, ensuring that everyone works toward a unified vision. Ultimately, a thoughtfully crafted mood board can inspire creativity, enhance decision-making, and elevate your brand’s presence in the marketplace, making it a vital component of successful brand development.

30 AMAZING 777 TATTOO IDEAS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

777 tattoos are a fantastic way to honor the number seven, often regarded as a symbol of luck across various cultures. Representing perfection and completion, the number seven is believed to possess unique powers, including the ability to grant wishes.

The term “777” has biblical origins and signifies divine perfection, often referred to as the number of God. If you’re seeking a tattoo rich in meaning, 777 tattoos are an excellent choice!

Many people opt for 777 tattoos on their upper back or shoulder blade, as this area provides a simple yet striking canvas. However, if you prefer something smaller, these tattoos can also be beautifully placed on your feet or wrist.

UNIQUE 777 TATTOO

The distinctive 777 tattoo is an artistic expression that blends various colors, shapes, and lines to form a stunning piece of body art. You can unleash your imagination and creativity to craft a design that’s truly your own!

TRIPLE 777 TATTOO

The triple 777 tattoo symbolizes good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. The three sevens, often placed on the forehead, are seen as a source of wisdom and knowledge, reflecting deep cultural significance.

SMALL 777 TATTOO

Small tattoos are an excellent option since they tend to be less painful and heal more quickly than larger ones. If you’re seeking a lasting yet discreet design, a small tattoo could be the perfect choice for you! You can select from a variety of designs and styles, allowing you to customize it in any color that matches your personal taste.

SLOT MACHINE 777 TATTOO

The slot machine 777 tattoo is a popular choice among lucky 777 designs. Slot machines symbolize the thrill of gambling and the hope of hitting it big at the casino. This tattoo can be creatively designed in various styles, often featuring elements like playing cards—such as hearts or diamonds—along with the iconic sevens on the machine’s front panel.

SIMPLE 777 TATTOO

A simple tattoo is quick and effortless to create, often consisting of lines or dots. These designs can be placed anywhere on your body, including your arms, legs, and back. The beauty of simple tattoos lies in their ability to blend seamlessly with your skin tone, allowing for a natural look that doesn’t draw too much attention.

RED 777 TATTOO

A red tattoo incorporates red ink into its design, offering more creativity than just simple outlines in black. This vibrant color can convey various meanings; for instance, if you want to signify danger or something forbidden, red is an effective choice, as it is widely recognized as a color of warning across many cultures.

MINIMALIST 777 TATTOO

Minimalist tattoos are characterized by their simplicity and small size, typically created in black ink. They can be placed anywhere on the body but are often chosen for areas where larger tattoos may not suit the aesthetics. These tattoos can take various shapes and sizes, usually featuring just a few meaningful words or symbols that resonate with the wearer.

MENINGFUL 777 TATTOO

A meaningful tattoo can be placed on the back of the head, covering the fontanelle area where the skull bones meet before fusing in childhood. This type of tattoo can be created using ink or by piercing the skin with metal studs through small holes drilled into the skull bone, allowing for a unique and significant expression.

LUCKY 777 TATTOO

The 777 tattoo is a popular design symbolizing luck and good fortune. It’s believed to bring good luck to its wearer, as the number seven is regarded as a lucky number in many cultures. Some even think that having seven of anything can attract blessings and prosperity.

FOREARM CROSS  777 TATTOO

A forearm tattoo is placed on the forearm or wrist area and can range from simple and small to large and intricate designs. People choose forearm tattoos for various reasons: some seek to express their emotions, others view them as a fashion statement, and some choose them for religious or spiritual significance.

FIRE 777 TATTOO

A fire tattoo is a powerful representation of passion and energy in your life. It can symbolize various aspects, such as creativity, love, and intensity. Additionally, fire signifies rebirth and renewal, embodying courage and inner strength. If you’re seeking a meaningful tattoo idea, a fire design could be the perfect choice!

COLORFUL 777 TATTOO

A colorful tattoo is ideal for anyone wanting a bright and bold expression on their body. This type of tattoo can be designed in various styles to perfectly match your personality. Whether you prefer a traditional look infused with vibrant colors or a more modern design, your artist can easily bring your vision to life!

ARM 777 TATTOO

An arm tattoo can vary in size depending on the dimensions of your arm. For smaller arms, a compact tattoo may be ideal, while those with larger arms might find that a more extensive design takes up too much space. It’s essential to choose a size that complements your body’s proportions.

ANGEL NUMBER 777 TATTOO

Angel number tattoos are often small and simple, commonly placed on the inside of the wrist for a personal touch. These tattoos carry deep meaning, symbolizing protection and safety. They can be especially meaningful for individuals who have faced loss or hardship, serving as a reminder of hope and happiness.

777 TATTOO ON WRIST

A wrist tattoo is often seen as one of the most feminine areas of the body. It can range from a simple line to an intricate design that wraps around the wrist. One of the great advantages of a wrist tattoo is its versatility; you can easily hide it when you prefer not to have it on display.

777 TATTOO ON STOMACH

Stomach tattoos are popular among women because they can be easily concealed in public settings like the office or school. There are various designs to choose from, including flowers, animals, butterflies, and birds. Many people also opt for meaningful words or phrases, such as their name or a phrase that perfectly describes them.

777 TATTOO ON RIB

Rib tattoos are among the most popular designs due to their ease of concealment and the option to have multiple tattoos in that area. The design possibilities are vast, ranging from flowers and butterflies to animals and meaningful words. One of the great aspects of rib tattoos is their versatility in color and size, allowing for personalized expression.

777 TATTOO ON NECK

Neck tattoos are a great choice for those who want to ink their bodies without making a bold statement. This area allows for tattoos that can be easily hidden, as they often go unnoticed unless specifically pointed out. This subtlety makes neck tattoos a versatile option for many.

777 TATTOO ON LEG

Leg tattoos have gained popularity in recent years due to their beauty and elegance. They can be easily concealed by wearing trousers, making them a practical choice for those who want to keep their ink hidden. This versatility allows for creative designs without the worry of constant visibility.

777 TATTOO ON HIP

A hip tattoo is an excellent choice for those seeking body art that can be easily concealed by clothing. This area is popular for tattoos because it allows for discretion, making it perfect for individuals who prefer not to have their ink on display all the time. Hip tattoos can vary in size, from small designs to large pieces that cover most or all of the hip area.

777 TATTOO ON HAND

Hand tattoos are increasingly popular among men and can be placed on the palm, fingers, or knuckles. You might opt for a single image on one finger or a more elaborate design covering the entire hand. Typically, these tattoos are small and can be completed in about an hour.

777 TATTOO ON CHEST

Chest tattoos are a top choice for men, offering a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. They can be small or large, with the most common size being around 10 inches wide. While black ink is the most popular choice for chest tattoos, many people also opt for red ink to add a striking contrast.

777 TATTOO ON BACK

Back tattoos are a favored option among women, offering the flexibility to be large or small. They are especially striking when visible from the front, making them ideal for backless dresses or swimsuits. While many choose back tattoos to showcase their artist’s skills, it’s important to select a design that holds personal significance for you.

777 TATTOO ON ARM

The arm is an excellent spot for a tattoo, as it can be easily concealed when needed. This makes it a great option for those wanting a design they can cover up without worry. Arm tattoos also provide a wide range of placement and design possibilities, ensuring plenty of choices for personalization.

777 TATTOO ON ANKLE

Ankle tattoos are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to be easily covered up, making them ideal for those who want to keep their ink discreet from friends and family. These tattoos can vary in size and shape, depending on the available space on your anklebone. If you prefer smaller designs, ankle tattoos might be just the right fit for you.

777 TATTOO IDEAS

777 tattoos symbolize good luck and fortune, commonly placed on the back of the neck, behind the ear, or on the wrist. These tattoos can be designed in various styles, often featuring three sevens, seven sevens, or the number 777 written out. In many cultures and religions, these numbers represent luck, love, and faithfulness.

777 TATTOO FOR WOMEN

Women are increasingly choosing 777 tattoos as a meaningful expression of their faith. Many enjoy incorporating this sacred number into jewelry, allowing them to be reminded of its significance whenever they glance at their wrists or hands. One popular option is to get the tattoo on the wrist or hand, making it easily visible and a personal source of inspiration.

777 TATTOO FOR MEN

The number seven holds significant importance in the Bible. It is noted that God rested on the seventh day and created man on the sixth. Additionally, Jesus was crucified at thirty-three and rose from the dead on the third day after His death. The number seven symbolizes perfection and completion, which is why many people opt for 777 tattoos, seeking to embody a sense of perfection in their lives.

777 TATTOO DESIGN

777 tattoo designs are highly favored among those who appreciate the significance of this number. In the Bible, seven is regarded as a sacred number, and many believe it brings luck and prosperity. As a result, 777 tattoos serve as a meaningful expression of these beliefs and personal aspirations.

777 TATTOO BEHIND THE EAR

Behind-the-ear tattoos are special and unique, making them a popular choice for many. This small area allows for a variety of designs while offering the benefit of concealment under hair when needed. Compared to tattoos on the wrist or ankle, behind-the-ear tattoos take up less space, making them a discreet yet meaningful option.

CONCLUSION

The world of 777 tattoos offers a vast and intriguing realm of symbolism, personal expression, and artistic creativity. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual significance, the lucky charm connotations, or simply the aesthetic appeal, a 777 tattoo can be a powerful and meaningful addition to your body art collection. From minimalist designs to intricate masterpieces, there’s a 777 tattoo out there to suit every taste and style. So, explore the possibilities, find your perfect match, and let the symbolism of 777 guide you on your tattoo journey.