Mood boarding in real life SERIES: 01
Welcome!! I have decided to start a new series on my blog where I mood board in real life + find inspiration outside of the screen. I am not *always* out and about, but when I am I almost always find something that catches my eye. So I’ve been trying to make a habit of snapping a picture of it to blog about later.
I use mood boards in my design process, because in my opinion, this is the client’s chance to get really clear and connect their vision with me. I typically suggest creating a collaborative Pinterest board to pin any elements or photos that inspire the client. Once in awhile though, it’s nice to get out of the house and find something that’s not on screen or pinterest.
Here’s a short recap of what I’ve collected over the past month or so! These haven’t particularly been involved in any client project related inspiration, but they have inspired me anyway!
Eyecare shop window display
Specs EyeCare - Hudson, OH
Why it inspired me: First of all, I LOVE sunflowers. I know, it’s kind of trendy right now but whatever. I think they’re beautiful, haha. I also think this is a really fun and unique display that I’ve never seen before. It definitely sets the tone of Fall and would have me walking right in if I needed glasses! What a fun an effective way to bring people in the door.
Environmental/informational graphics
Danny Vegh’s Building - now a Spirit Halloween - Mayfield, OH
Why it inspired me: This is the old Danny Vegh’s building that has been recently turning into a Spirit Halloween. This building has been here for YEARS, and ever since I was little. I never went inside until recently, and it still had a lot of Danny Vegh’s memorabilia and history inside which I thought was wonderful, and tastefully put together and designed. The newspaper articles were a wallpaper, and then there was a few signs that were put together by tiny photos to create a bigger picture or letter. I also noticed the upstairs railing designs were designed to look like a pool table and their pockets.
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.17 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.17 PM.png
Vehicle & logo graphics
Molly Taylor & Co - Hudson, OH
Why it inspired me: This logo in particular caught my eye. I thought it was so cute and elegant. I love the ‘and’ being in all caps and italicized from the looks of it, but it’s a bit smaller in relation to the other letter ‘Molly Taylor Co’. I enjoy the simplicity of the truck as well!
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.30 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.30 PM.png
Sign & logo graphics
Michaelangelos - Little Italy (Cleveland), OH
Why it inspired me: I absolutely love the curves and overall structure of the ‘M’ sign that’s on the outside of this restaurant. I wish I could have seen it lit up, but maybe next time ;). I think there’s nothing better than one single letter to represent a brand. It’s always been one of my favorite type of logo marks.
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.45 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.45 PM.png
Door decal graphics
Heartwood - Hudson, OH
Why it inspired me: ‘Free wifi & Inspiration’ Like, this is pretty self explanatory am I right? I love exploring new places to seek inspiration and this is the perfect way to grab someone’s attention to do so. Such an easy and inviting idea.
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.53 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.09.53 PM.png
Dream big mural
Cleveland, OH
Why it inspired me: Daydream Design Co dreams big, need I say more? But seriously, when this mural popped up in Cleveland I HAD to go see it. Better yet, I even had some of my brand photos taken here. Those will be up soon :)
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.10.00 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.10.00 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.10.06 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-09-25 at 2.10.06 PM.png
Signage & wallpaper
Brewnuts - Cleveland, OH
Why it inspired me: First of all, I’m a sucker for Cleveland & neon signs, so this obviously made it into the pile of inspiration. Secondly, this wallpaper in the Brewnuts bathroom was beautiful and gave me forest vibes.
Have you found any inspo IRL? I would love to see! Share on insta with the hashtag #moodboardirl
Happy mood boarding!