Branding 101: 4 Steps to Create a Mood Board That Captures Your Vibe (+ Free Canva Template!)
Hey there, fabulous business owner!
I see you—you're ready to level up your brand, and I LOVE that for you. Whether you're starting fresh or giving your brand a much-needed glow-up, there's one step you cannot skip: making a mood board.
Think of it as your brand’s Pinterest dream board—except instead of “future wedding inspo” and “home office goals,” it’s all about you and your business. Your mood board sets the tone for your branding, giving you a clear visual direction before you dive into logos, colors, and website design.
So, grab a coffee (or a spicy margarita—I don’t judge), and let’s make some branding magic!
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Brand’s Personality
Before you start gathering all the pretty things, let’s take a sec to define your brand’s personality. This is the soul of your brand—the traits, values, and vibes that make it unique.
Ask yourself:
Is your brand fun and playful, or sleek and sophisticated?
If your brand were a person, what would their style be? (Think: streetwear queen vs. minimal chic.)
What three words describe your brand? (Ex: bold, creative, approachable.)
💡 Pro tip: Your brand’s personality should feel like you. If it feels forced, it’s not the right fit.
Step 2: Gather Your Inspiration (AKA The Fun Part )
Now that you’ve nailed your brand’s vibe, it’s time to get inspired.
Here’s where to find inspo that speaks to your brand’s soul:
✨ Pinterest: The holy grail of mood boarding. Start pinning colors, fonts, textures, and images that feel like your brand.
✨ Magazines & Books: Flip through your favorite design, fashion, or lifestyle mags. Sometimes, the best inspo is old-school.
✨ Your Camera Roll: Ever snapped a pic of a dreamy sunset or a cool coffee shop sign? Those personal touches can be gold for your brand.
✨ Nature & Everyday Life: Branding inspo is everywhere—from the color of your favorite latte to the pattern on your go-to blazer.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t overthink it! Save anything that sparks joy (yes, we’re channeling our inner Marie Kondo). You can always refine later.
Step 3: Create Your mood board
Okay, now that you’ve got a ton of inspo, it’s time to bring it all together.
How to create your mood board:
🖥️ Digital mood board: Use Canva, Adobe Express, or Milanote to create a clean, polished digital board.
✂️ Physical mood board: Print out your faves and arrange them on a corkboard. Old-school, but so satisfying.
What to include:
Color Palette – The shades that best represent your brand. Keep it to 4-6 core colors.
Typography – Fonts that match your brand’s vibe (playful? elegant? bold?).
Inspo Images – Photos, textures, and patterns that bring your brand to life.
Vibes – Anything that feels like your brand. Think fashion, architecture, lifestyle imagery.
💡 Pro tip: Keep it cohesive. If something sticks out like a sore thumb, swap it for something more on-brand.
Step 4: Bring Your mood board to Life
You did it! You have a gorgeous, totally-you mood board. Now, let’s put it to work.
How to use your mood board in branding:
✔️ Logo Design – Your mood board helps ensure your logo feels like your brand.
✔️ Website Design – Use your mood board to guide your color scheme, fonts, and overall aesthetic.
✔️ Marketing Materials – Keep your social media, packaging, and print designs aligned with your mood board’s look and feel.
💡 Pro tip: Your mood board is your brand’s north star. If something doesn’t align with it, rethink it!
Final Thoughts
Creating a mood board isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting a visual story that represents your brand in the best way possible. So, take your time, trust your gut, and have so much fun with it!
And hey, if this whole branding thing still feels overwhelming, I got you. Let’s work together to build a brand you’re obsessed with. 💖
Ready to take your branding to the next level?
Download my free mood board template and start designing your dream brand today!