What's A Mood Board?

I've recently gotten into making mood boards and I have discovered that not only is it one of the most relaxing things to do, it also boosts creativity and has increased my mood drastically if I'm having a bad day. Just 10/10 all around.

You may be asking: What is a mood board? A mood board is a collage of ideas and concepts with text, textures, pictures, stickers, color, and anything else that you feel like adding. The main purpose of a mood board is to guide and inspire. For me, a mood board has become more of a mood reset, letting the creativity and emotion take over and inspire me. They are also used to set goals, start a project, and communicate concepts. I just like using them as a form of art therapy though.

The process alone of making a mood board is therapeutic. Very relaxing. Mood boards can be digital or physical, it's up to the creator. I personally prefer digital just because it's less messy and I feel I am able to do more digitally than I could physically.

Here are a few mood boards I made today, through another chaotic day. Look through them and just let your emotions resonate with the images and colors. *Disclaimer: the pictures in the mood boards are not my own and can be found on canva.com*

If you're reading this, getting inspired and wanting to make a mood board of your own but not exactly sure if there is a right or wrong way to go about it, I have some tips.

Mood board tips and tricks:

• I use canva.com to create my mood boards. It's free and all you need is an email address and a password. Canva is really cool because they have a bunch of templates for mood boards which is actually how I discovered mood boards in the first place. You can use their pictures and stickers and anything you feel like incorporating which is what I like to do.

• If you are making one physically, I recommend using magazines, postcards, paint swatches, paint, and other supplies that you are drawn to.

• Relax and don't worry about making it perfect or it having to be a certain way. No one can say what is a good or bad board.

• Picking colors or a color scheme that speaks to you and inspires you can help you pick out pictures and just help make decisions in general. I like to incorporate yellows, greens, blues, and reds in mine.

• Add things you are interested in such as hobbies. I enjoy reading, plants, food, writing, and travel which I incorporate in my boards.

• The more you make it your own, the better. Remember, there is no point in a mood board if it doesn't inspire you and make you feel something.

If your day is chaotic and stressful, try carving out ten minutes to sit down, relax, and make a mood board that relaxes and inspires you.