Learning Goal: Translate an abstract concept into a visual design direction.

Complete Lesson Content:
A mood board crystallises your theme, colour, texture, and silhouette ideas. It’s the starting point for any collection. Begin with a concept—perhaps “Urban Nomad” or “Japanese Zen Garden”—gather images, colour samples, and material swatches. Arrange them to tell a story.

Step‑by‑Step Explanation:

  1. Define your concept in 3 keywords.
  2. Collect 15‑20 images (photos, artworks, textures).
  3. Select a colour palette from the images.
  4. Add fabric swatches, trims, and sketches of shapes.
  5. Compose on a board (physical or digital) with a clear focal point.

Best Practices: Limit your colour story to 4‑6 colours. Include some blank space for clarity.

Common Mistakes: Overcrowding; a mood board should inspire, not confuse.

Real Industry Example: Dior’s “Cruise” collections often start with a location‑based mood board capturing the spirit of a country.

Mini Case Study: A student used a mood board based on “Crushed Petals” to create a pastel, layered tulle collection that won a school competition.

Practical Activity: Using Canva, create a digital mood board for “Midnight Garden”.

Assignment: Develop a full concept statement (150 words) and mood board for an imagined Spring/Summer collection.

Lesson Summary: Mood boards are the visual contract for your collection’s direction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Start with keywords.
  • Curate, don’t just collect.
  • Every element on the board should serve the story.
PreviousNext