the quest for personal style: inspiration and mood boards.
the quest to pin down one’s personal style can be a little daunting.
we look in the mirror at ourselves every single day, but we don’t always SEE.
the key to finding out what appeals to you, and what works with your personality and your body (and it’s idiosyncrasies), is to train your eye to SEE: to look at what’s really there when you look in the mirror and find ways to work with it, to define what appeals to you visually and what resonates with your soul.
when you find and define what you really love, you can find yourself, and be able to show the real you to the world.
***
one great way of training your eye to SEE is to create inspiration boards and mood boards.
some of you may have inspiration boards (or something similar) already in your home: perhaps a corkboard covered with inspirational photographs, scraps of paper, bits of nature, fabric…anything really. sometimes these inspirational scraps don’t make it on to a board, but they form a pile, fill a file, or are pasted into a scrapbook.
all that matters, really, is that you gather images that speak to you, if you haven’t already started to do so. flip through magazines, books, the internet, and gather anything that sparks your imagination. perhaps you love the folk embroidery on that ancient dress featured in an art or culture magazine, the juxtaposition of the colors on two paint swatches from the local paint store, the color combination or graphic design on that museum or club flyer, the arrangement of pleats on that couture dress in that elite fashion magazine, a postcard of an ancient roman statue, a clipping of a beautiful piece of modern architecture or interior or the face of a sad child from national geographic, the texture of that scrap of fabric…whatever.
the point is to gather, gather, gather little bits of things that define what YOU REALLY LOVE, and who you REALLY ARE.
think carefully about each choice. look and make decisions. take your time.
once you have gathered these things, and you have a sizable pile of these scraps and other objects, you can begin the process of refining said scraps and objects. spread them out on the desk, bed, table, floor, couch, or what have you. you will likely find that you can start to put the scraps into loose categories, or personal “trends”. favorite color combinations, textures, and types of expressive images will probably come up again and again. odd little things will be floating around as well… set them to the side, but don’t get rid of them. they still speak to you, and thus, are still important. you may be able to use them again, with this mood board, or another.
a mood board, as i know it, is a more refined inspiration board. a mood board is smaller and more concise than an inspiration board, and it can express anything you’d like it to express, and can be the creative jumping off point for anything you’d like: a book idea, a painting or piece of art you’d like to make, how you’d like to design a room in your home, a clothing collection for your fashion design firm or a page you’d like to design for your webpage or blog, or in this case, how you would like to define your wardrobe or personal style. it can be nothing more than a feeling or an attitude. things we see evoke emotions within us, and by extension, those who view us or the things we favor.
try to narrow all your scraps down to a smaller number. it might even be a fun challenge to narrow down your scraps to say, 7 or 10 images that REALLY say something about you. if someone asked you to define yourself in this small number of images, what specific images or scraps would you choose? make thoughtful choices.
***
below are two mood boards i made for my studies at parsons, to give you an example of a finished, refined mood board…
the point behind this particularly fancy mood board was to make a collage that defined the type of individual that i would like to design for. i gathered what i believed were related images in a tight color scheme (yellow, black, pink, and the like), and organized them in what i believed to be a pleasing, sensical manner. i scanned each picture into the computer, printed them out on heat-transfer paper, and ironed each image on to a piece of fabric, and sewed it on to the fabric i used as a base. i added machine and hand-stitching/embroidery with floss and yarn, and added a few buttons as well. some images merely give a feeling about this customer: planes=a traveler, buildings, graffiti=an urban dweller, lover of renegade art, jeans=a casual, young attitude, and so on.
this mood board was about how i would define my own brand, should i have one someday. it should say something about me, and what i want to express to my customer about said brand. the theme behind this collage/mood board was “pop organic”. in this case, only seven images were used, to tightly define and express who i am and what i want the world to understand about what i like and what i design.
***
mood boards or inspiration boards do not have to be that complicated or involved, of course. not all of us are artists and not everyone wants to go to that effort… the simple act of gluing inspirational images to a piece of paper, tacking those images and scraps to a small board, or making a photoshop collage in a way that works for you can serve the same purpose.
the end result should be a collage that you can refer to when your mind or eye becomes unfocused…you can remind yourself of who you are and what you love. the mood board is a concise expression of what your mind and your eye favors. it may help you later when you turn to your closet or the shops in order to find pieces that you really love, that support your own unique expression of your personal style.
perhaps the things that inspire you or define you may change over time. that’s just an excuse to make a new mood board! 
the idea is to keep looking, and keep SEEING.
***
and on the topic of inspiration boards and the actual gathering of inspirational images:
i recently discovered this this great flickr group, all about inspiration boards. perhaps you too will find it inspiring!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/inspirationboards/pool/
speaking of flickr: they have a great feature that can assist you in gathering inspirational images that appeal to your eye. at the top of everyone’s photos is a link called “add to faves”…click on it to add a buddy’s photo to your own personal favorites, to refer back to again and again.
here are some of my most recent favorites from the photostreams of my fellow flickr users, as an example:
September 6 2006 | Posted in creative dabblings., fashion musing
September 6 2006 at 2:38 pm
CaseyTHANK YOU!! I’ve been in quite a style funk lately; not sure where I am stylewise or where I want to head. I used to make a style board; the large cork board behind my computer is where I’d tack everything I clipped from magazines and such. I really need to get back in the habit.
I think we (self included!) don’t always realize that our personal style is always changing. We become too attuned to how we see something, we visually pass over it without processing the nuances and originality that there could be if we tried. That is why I love the idea of style boards–they a way to force you to focus in on why you like something. I also like that I can make as many as I want–which helps keep track of my ever-evolving style.
Anyway (don’t know where this comment was going!! Excuse the after-class jumble of ideas… hehe!), thank you so much again!! I think I’m going to hop on over to Michael’s and get a sheet of sturdy board to start tacking up my new style ideas.
Keep with these rocking posts–I love them!!
September 6 2006 at 2:55 pm
CaseyOh, and I wanted to add that the fabric board is an amazing idea–I would never in a million years have thought of that!! Kudos to your creativity!
September 6 2006 at 4:12 pm
lisathis is fantastic.
i’m an architecture student and used to gathering ideas and creating and thinking visually etc, but (maybe because it involves colour, eek!) am very slow to understand personal style.
and, hi. i’ve been lurking and reading for ages but haven’t felt like i’ve anything to add, but i really enjoy your blog and reading about your adventures. i think i stumbled across your croquis originally and got stuck, breathless.
September 6 2006 at 10:52 pm
ClairDeLuneI’ve been reading your blog for about 6 months and I want to tell you I find it to be one of the most inspirational design/fashion blogs I read. I love that your style is so uninfluenced by the mainstream or current fashion trends, its so unique and BRIGHT! I love it. Sounds a little sad, but I always look forward to reading your posts about your latest finds or your wardrobe remixes. This post was especially inspirational as I LOVE mood boards!! Thank you for sharing all your creative goodness with the world!
September 7 2006 at 4:26 pm
laura/2eckwow, this entry is so inspiring! i read it yesterday and filled some new empty pages of my scrapbook today, because i couldn’t wait anymore! thanks, tricia!
September 20 2006 at 12:20 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » the quest for personal style: the angel is in the details[...] perhaps you’re starting to or are keeping a sketchbook, a scrapbook, making a pile of delightful and inspiring scraps, or putting them on a board. perhaps you even made a bona fide inspiration or mood board. [...]
July 3 2007 at 1:44 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: getting ready! (part 1)[...] PREPARE FOR THE DECLUTTERING PROCESS! you can prep yourself in these ways: it’s super important to get your mind space and physical space souped up before you scrutinize your stuff! -first and foremost, make a concerted effort to keep a positive attitude about the decluttering your wardrobe. think of the process of delcluttering as an amazingly good thing: it’s a fresh start! you’re going to a.) eliminate stress in yourself and those who live with you! b.) end up with what you NEED and LOVE. and c.) put the kibosh on clutter. -make sure you have a full length mirror at the ready. you want to be able to see yourself from head to toe. none of this half-body bathroom mirror business. -open up all the curtains and windows in the room, or turn on all the available lights in the room where you’ll be doing all your sorting. you want to be able to see yourself and the clothes and accessories which you will be evaluating in the best possible light. good lighting allows you to see the true colors and textures of your clothing and accessories and how they honestly work with your skin tone and figure. -before you begin, eat a good healthy meal and set aside a glass of water that you can sip on while you work. dehydration and low blood sugar are bad bedfellows for your brain…you want to be at your best when you’re trying to determine if you TRULY love and look good in that denim skort, lace-up bustier or argyle socks! -to set the mood, put on some great music! choose some tunes that you know will motivate but not distract you. i think something that gets your blood pumping is just perfect for this sort of task! i love to put on a breaks or hip-hop dj set while i am working through my closet and trying things on. when i need a break from the intensity of sorting and deciding i can dance around the house a little! -shower, put on makeup, and do your hair! this tactic helped me, big time! i could evaluate the clothes i was sorting through as if i was getting dressed to go out in the usual way, without being distracted by the possible scary state of a makeupless face or wild bedhead! -if you’re a little unclear about your personal style and are feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out who you are and what you love, make a mood board/inspiration board first. if ye know thyself, the process of decluttering your stuff will be much simpler and less stress-making. -gather up those trashbags or get out those empty shopping bags you been saving! these will be the eventual receptacles for your discards. *** [...]
July 3 2007 at 1:49 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: getting ready! (part 1)[...] -if you’re a little unclear about your personal style and are feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out who you are and what you love, make a mood board/inspiration board first. if ye know thyself, the process of decluttering your stuff will be much simpler and less stress-making. [...]
July 4 2007 at 12:33 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: the sorting process! (part 2)[...] -keep your mood board handy, if you think you need the visual reminder. set it up on top of your dresser or somewhere else where it can be in sight while you work. -if you have time, try on EVERYTHING in your closet. it’s important to evaluate absolutely everything in your closet. if you work or go to school, this might be best done on a day off on which you have no other obligations, perhaps on a sunday afternoon, if you have weekends off, for example. otherwise, you can break the task up over a couple days, if need be, but make sure the days are successive and in the same week so you stay motivated. sorting through your things can be intense and sometimes difficult, but trust me, when it’s all over and you’ve dumped the things you don’t LOVE or need, you’ll feel terrific! [...]
July 5 2007 at 12:56 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: maintaining the less is more! (part 3)[...] now comes the REALLY fun part…smart shopping! -before you hit the shops, check that mood board…again! remember who you are, and what you want to express to the world via your own special and unique take on personal style. resolve to only purchase that which you LOVE, to only acquire clothing and accessories that fit in with and your personal aesthetic and flatter your figure. if an item you are considering does not do either of these things for you, you are probably better off without it! -the purging process, while totally necessary, and healthy, can also leave one with some gaps in the old wardrobe. be smart about the way you will fill these wardrobe gaps from here on out! sit down in front of your freshly organized and utterly lovely closet with a pen/pencil and a pad. ponder what you truly and honestly require to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe. what is missing that could support and enhance what you already have, and take your wardrobe to the next level? be specific. if you know where you think you might find such an item, jot that down as well. you are essentially making a plan for smart shopping that you can later pop in your bag and carry with you when you are out and about in the world. it can serve as a reminder of what you NEED, so you don’t fill up your closet with frivolities you DON’T NEED. it makes you accountable and keeps you honest. so, just got finished cleaning my own closet out last week. i made just such a list, and my list of things to get looks something like this: -interesting, well-made black flats -interesting, well-made red flats -high heeled sandals with real wooden heels (chie mihara?) -vintage acid wash skinny jeans -leggings in a warm-gray color -good quality black tights -colored tights -hand knit sweater coat (knit by me) [...]
November 2 2007 at 2:26 pm
exquisite function » The exquisite function of window shopping[...] The Quest for Personal Style: Inspiration and Mood Boards — Great tips from the insightful Tricia Royal. [...]
November 19 2007 at 8:46 pm
bits and bobbins » archives » creative to-do lists: what’s yours look like?[...] i’m forever making creative to-do lists! my creative to-do lists usually are comprised of the following sorts of items: specific creative projects i want to tackle, art of craft classes i’m yearning to take…things of that nature. sometimes they are centered upon a specific creative project, listing the items or tasks i need in order to bring that project to life. it’s sort an adjunct to other brainstorming and organizational practices, like making a mood board (something i’ve gone on and on about here many times before). simply getting these ideas and intentions out on paper, or typing them out into a computer program specifically like omni-outliner (an awesome outlining program my husband turned me on to long ago, which i use constantly) is immensely helpful because it allows me to braindump, organize the tasks and ideas i have and want to accomplish, and keeps me (somewhat!) accountable to actually getting those tasks accomplished and those ideas fulfilled. *** [...]
August 11 2008 at 10:45 am
giovannaThank you so much for sharing this great information with us!! It helped me a lot!!