We’re well into the first month of the new year. The world seems to be continually setting itself on hard mode. How are we suppose to stay on track of our creative endeavors with all this going on?! Something that really helps me visualize an upcoming project or event theme is mood boards. We’ve spoken about them before, but I’d really like to dive deeper into why I feel like they’re such a key part of creative process. Some of us have major life events this year to plan for! (Who’s got a 2023 goth wedding they’re currently wondering how they’re going to get planned in time?!)  So let’s break down the fundamentals of visualizing and creating an entire mood with visuals.

I’m someone who is almost entirely visual. When it comes to learning and retaining information. When working on a project. When I’m planning a trip!! I need to see it to believe it! Photos and visuals open up my mind to what something can become. There’s tons of ways to create a mood board. Creating a folder on your computer or phone, opening a pinterest account, or the old fashioned method of printing and collaging things together. I do all three actually! I’ve got different forms of visuals for different projects. If you’re an ex (or current) scrapbook queen or had your walls floor to ceiling with photos growing up-this is probably nothing new to you. I’m going to create some mood boards for two of my favorite gowns, and then go over the aesthetic the visuals have painted. Come along with me and step into my mind.

I love the Rhiannon gown so much, whenever I see it I feel like I’m transported. I can smell smoke in the distance, be it from a freshly blown out candle or a nearby bonfire. The textures of dried flowers set atop a sea of beautiful lace. It’s a majestic gown, but also has a slight touch of the occult to it. Something spooky and eternal mixed together like those old pulp covers of 70’s mystery novels. You know, the old ones at the back of the antique store. The love witch mixed with the bayou comes to mind. I love this dress for an evening wedding, a reception taking place in a field. Spanish moss hangs from the large tree above the bride. Dried florals and small bottles sit atop antique lace doilies for the centerpieces. An occult wedding with a touch of mystery drenched with a hint of the 1970’s victorian crossover that we all dream of.

The Beau Deuil gown is one of OPPULENCE. You own EVERYTHING, and by everything I’m talking: antique candelabras, an extensive crown collection, a very large ornate mirror sitting behind a large gothic vanity. Gothic princess running around a haunted mansion that sits atop a brooding mountain. The smells of vetiver and fresh flowers fill the velvet draped rooms. The armory is next to the extensive library. This wedding is one in large church with a beautiful ceiling mural. Or in front of the most beautiful mausoleum at dusk. Who doesn’t want their wedding to be memorable, classic and remembered for years to come. This dress, along with this wedding, will be hailed as one of intimidation in the most beautiful way. Way just have a memorable wedding, when you can have an eternal wedding.

I love mood boards and visuals, whenever I’m in a creative rut I just go through my large stock of images that invoke a creative energy to them. I put together worlds and scenes to match the beautiful images. From there it feels like the skies the limit when it comes to creative juices. I hope this helps with any visualizing the future holds for you. May the creative juices start flowing!

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