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Can we talk about my mood board method for ethical inspiration?
I was stuck on a project and really admired another designer's style. I made a mood board to capture the feel without copying, and it turned into my favorite piece this year. What steps do you take to keep your inspiration fresh but honest?
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keith2791mo ago
But doesn't a mood board just sort of repackage someone else's vibe? I tried that once and my work still felt like a knockoff, not my own voice. For honest inspiration, I skip images altogether and start by scribbling random words or memories from my life. Then I hunt for visuals that fit those personal sparks, which keeps things fresh and truly mine.
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gonzalez.wesley1mo ago
Capturing the feel without copying is a solid approach to ethical inspiration. It lets you learn from others while still making something your own. Glad it led to your favorite piece this year.
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piperf401mo ago
Honestly, how is starting from scratch with your own words any more real than using a mood board? Tbh, it feels like the same thing just with extra steps. You're still hunting for outside stuff to match an idea in your head, like @gonzalez.wesley said about capturing a feel. Ngl, trying to make something 100% from only your life sounds impossible and kind of limiting. Everything we make is built on what we've seen before. Using a mood board just makes that process honest instead of pretending you invented a color or a shape out of thin air.
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