Now, I’m a huge fan of Pinterest, and I have my fair share of project inspiration folders scattered all over my desktop… and my phone.
But even still, there is just SOMETHING about tangible, physical inspiration that stands the test of time. This is why I still buy design and art books, and it’s why I couldn’t wait to put up an inspiration board in my office!
Today we’re partnering with our friends from Canon USA to share why making a mood board in your workspace can keep you fresh and inspired!
As per usual, I used my favorite printer—the PIXMA iP8720. I love it because I can print a whole bunch of photos at once on my 13×19 paper, which is perfect for making mood boards! I typically use the Luster paper because the color comes out so lovely on it.
This is my autumn mood board. It’s full of memories, color, texture and photos that are inspiring to me right now!
The best advice I have ever heard about keeping a mood board (and forgive me, I can’t remember where I picked this up) is to change it up whenever you stop “seeing it”. You know how if you leave something in a room for long enough (whether it’s beautiful or a mess), you eventually stop noticing that it’s even there? That’s when you know it’s time to refresh your mood board.
I like to do it every season, but if I’m designing product or in another big project, I might do it as often as every month.
Keep your mood board personalized, fresh and surprising!
Here’s a list of the kinds of things I collect for my mood board:
-Favorite photos and memories
-Vintage inspiration
-Textiles and colors that inspire me
-Color, pattern and texture
I hope this post inspires you to set aside some time to create a mood board for your own workspace. The older I get, the more I realize that my dad’s frequent quote, “You don’t have time, you make time.” is so true. I never HAVE time to do fun creative projects, I have to set it aside and guard it with a vengeance!
Have a wonderful day. xx! Elsie
Credits//Author: Elsie Larson. Photography: Elsie Larson and Laura Gummerman.
i love it
This is so inspiring and adorable. The Nashville map especially stood out to me. I love that city!
Moodboards keep me soooooo inspired!
xo
Where did you find the square size bulletin board?
Thanks for the inspiration. I forget about a mood boards, but it’s exactly what I could use right now.
Hello Elsie :),
Really loved reading this post. I love your advice to switch it up when you stop “seeing it”.Such a fun part of keeping the creative flow is to constantly refine your source of inspiration!
This post got me thinking, and actually inspired my own blog post this week! I do mood boards a bit differently, mainly using words and quotes to keep my inspired, rather than images. I tape em all up to my walls, so the whole room turns into one giant mood board! (That said, I still have a million pinterest boards to my name ;b.)
Hope you have a lovely week!
– Micky
Elsie,
Will you please share where the pink desk organizer tray is from?
Thanks!
Kristi 🙂
That mood board is GORGEOUS! Awesome post!
www.emmalenhart.com
I’m always looking for inspiration, and definitely feel a moodboard would be good for me. Pinterest is great as a digitial version but it is really nice to have something on your wall you can look at from time to time and motivate you!
I’ve never thought of using a mood board before. http://www.hannamarielei.com
Hi ! I love this idea ! But what is the size of you bulletin board ??
Thanks !!
Marina 🙂
Love this post…
What a great idea! I love your tip to change it up when you stop seeing it. I’ll be doing this soon.
Such a great idea! The standard bulletin board color doesn’t fit with my decor at all. Any recommendation on the paint for this project?
Been thinking of doing one myself as well!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
I totally agree about how you need something tangible! I’ve created something similar in my cubical at work to help me feel motivated and happy!
xo, Heather
Love the mood board color and nod to Twin Peaks! I found a chick on Instagram recently that had some great Twin Peaks paintings and prints. You should check her out, there’s a Log Lady!
https://www.instagram.com/otherpeoplesfamily
Convicting! I think I stopped “seeing” everything in my studio long ago. Thanks for the motivation (as always) 🙂
Hi Sara!
They’re from ZeroUV.
xx- Elsie
Hi Maria,
They’re from ZeroUV.
xx- Elsie