Watch how a feeling becomes a finished visual.
The design process often starts with a hunch—a mood, a memory, or a reference. Here, I show the journey from an initial inspiration board to a refined color palette to the final output. This post pulls back the curtain on how I shape visual storytelling from raw emotion to usable assets.
Moodboards Are a Marketing Tool (Not Just a Vibe Check)
You know that moment when someone asks for a “clean, modern look” and you’re like… okay, but your idea of clean and mine might be two different planets? That’s why moodboards aren’t just for fun. They’re for alignment. Yes, they help define color, texture, type, and tone. But more than that—they give your client, team, or even your future self something to point at and say:
“That. That’s the feeling we’re chasing.”
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- A moodboard can save you 3 rounds of revisions
- It can clarify tone faster than 10 emails
- It gives non-designers a seat at the table without needing to know the jargon
I use them at every stage:
- Early to align on style and strategy
- Mid-project when things start drifting and we need a north star
- At handoff to explain design decisions and guide future use
Moodboards aren’t fluff, they’re tools. When done right, they’re just as powerful as a pitch deck or a creative brief. So if you ever feel stuck on a project or like everyone’s seeing a different picture in their head, make the picture real.
Make a moodboard.