Harmonizing materials - making mood boards

A critical part of putting together CMF standards programs involves ensuring all new and existing materials and color ways work together cohesively. My process involves curating mini collections that combine color, materials, finishes and textures. Outcomes vary depending on the materials involved, but as groupings take shape personalities begin to develop. These groupings are often referred to as mood boards.

An individual sku on a mood board may not make sense as a stand alone item. Context emerges when multiple items are grouped together. Color is a primary vehicle for setting a mood, but layering texture and finish also play a key role in constructing a mood board.

After showing several mood boards to demonstrate how a refreshed standards program can work together a client replied: “I get it…it makes me feel good”.

Recent preparations for launch collateral.

Recent preparations for launch collateral.

Groupings created for sales meeting to launch a universal palette concept for GMI.

Groupings created for sales meeting to launch a universal palette concept for GMI.

More for GMI. Same materials, vastly different colors convey different vibe.

More for GMI. Same materials, vastly different colors convey different vibe.

Playing around with color combos.

Playing around with color combos.