It's that time again: lately I've been feeling antsy with my current blog design, even though it really wasn't that long ago that I was redoing it for the first time.
The trigger for this particular blog overhaul actually came from some frustration with my own work. I felt like my current batch of paintings weren't giving off the vibe and look that I wanted, so I decided to create a sort of inspiration board/style guide for them.
I'd never tried this with any of my work before, but before I knew it, I was obsessively collecting images, whipping them into a mood board (above), taking a Skillshare class for branding advice, and painting up a storm (we'll see if any of the paintings see the light of day, but at least I'm enjoying making them!).
This process also inspired me to redo my website and blog design to better align with and highlight my painting aesthetic. I'm still working on that part, which will take a while longer since web design is not something I've ever studied. I'm hoping to also take a Skillshare course on logo design -- any recommendations?
And finally, because one of my pet peeves about mood boards is how infrequently they credit their images (I'm guilty of this too!), the sources from my mood board. If anyone knows where the "move me" image comes from, let me know so I can credit it properly!
albert weiss b+w abstract painting | my makeshift logo | britt bass "swoop" painting | move me - source unknown
the oddds' "if" | les graphiquants' b+w lettering | emma mcnally graphite drawing | sol lewitt geometric drawing
jordan clark b+w dancer | bea de giacomo "pillow" mag gray clouds | studio fludd pink geometry | kinfolk
xo Diana
I love this mood board! It's funny that you would talk about this today because I posted my latest Class for Clients today about mood boards! Good luck with your site design, and once you start painting based on your mood boards you should show the board that inspired that painting. That would be very interesting to see!
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of your day!
Thanks so much Emma! I know -- I laughed when I saw your post! it's definitely an important tool and I'm still figuring out how to best use it.
ReplyDeleteI love this moodboard Diana, really excited to see where you take it. I am trying to learn web/blog design too so if you find any great classes let me know! How is the skillshare class on branding?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lucy! I'm impressed you've set yourself a two-year wait before revisiting the design -- I wish I had that much patience! Partly I'm willing to spend more time reworking the site because I want to get more experience in web design and branding, so this is basically my test tube! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Emma!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently working through the "Beyond the Logo" Skillshare course by Courtney Eliseo, which is really well done, and I would definitely recommend. She provides really clear steps to follow to create a brand identity and has a lot of extra resources (which I need to actually start using!). My only issue with the course is it expects you to have a logo already, so I'm hoping to take an additional class (not sure which one) to work on that specifically.
What types of courses/resources have you been using?
Really awesome moodboard, Diana. I'm loving the images and colors. Truly, just freaking awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd I've also been in love with serif fonts lately. I had to hold myself back quite a bit to stick to my sans-serif style. :) Can't wait to see what's coming!
Thanks so much Kelly! That means a lot coming from you, especially since I'm so new to design! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely! Excited to see how you'll fuse this feel with your new blog design. I've been thinking about giving my site a lift too but still unsure of what look to try next. Feeling uncertain but excited all the same.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know you've finally tried making a moodboard. Just like you, I don't use moodboards for my projects before but because technology has made the process 10x easier and, to some extent, addicting, I have developed a habit to start my design works with a moodboard. <3
Thanks so much Sofia! I have to say, making a mood board was so much fun, I'm definitely a convert!
ReplyDeleteExcited to see what you do with your site! :)