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How to Create a Design Plan Moodboard in Photoshop

BySarah Gibson
17 Comments

How to Create a Design Plan Moodboard in Photoshop - roomfortuesday.comThis post was heavily requested and I’m happy I was finally able to check it off the list for you! I don’t claim to be a great teacher (kudos to those of you who are!), but I figured I could at least share my process and the steps I use to create interior visuals in Photoshop. You’ll notice many different types of moodboards here on the blog, but for this post, we’re going to focus on more realistic design plans rather than product collages. Click through to watch my video, process, and learn all about creating a design plan moodboard!

I’ll begin by saying, I’ve been working in photoshop for over 16 years (yikes, that dates me). I also graduated art school with a BFA in graphic design, so I’m very comfortable in Adobe Creative Suite. If you’re just getting started, give yourself some grace and practice, practice, practice. It takes time to learn the ropes and it isn’t the easiest software. I’d consider this tutorial to be rated at a beginner or intermediate level… it’s not complicated, but it does take patience.

How to Create a Design Plan Moodboard in Photoshop - roomfortuesday.comI also get the question why Photoshop for editing and moodboards, rather than something else? It’s not the only software I use, but I’m fast and efficient with it. Simply put… it’s also the best. I don’t use apps for photo editing and every single images that comes from my camera goes through Photoshop before I transfer it to my phone, social media, or blog.

Alright! Ready to get started? This is how I make a design plan moodboard for my room renovations…

Whew! I know that was a long video (thanks to those of you who stuck with me through it), but I wanted to make sure I explained the main concepts and tools. Was it helpful? I really hope so!

How to Create a Design Plan Moodboard in Photoshop - roomfortuesday.comWho else uses and relies on Photoshop often? It’s really a great tool for design AND blogging. Would you like to see any more computer / camera / software tutorials? How I make a collage moodboard? How I edit a photo? Let me know what you want and I’m happy to share if there is enough interest! I know this is more of the backend of the blog, but hopefully some of you find it useful or interesting, at the very least.

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17 Comments

  1. Whew! What a lot of detail work! I used polyvore a little for fun, but it had product limitations. I don’t have photoshop because…well, I don’t do any of this professionally. I definitely like to corral items on a Pinterest board, but I sometimes wish for the capability of smooshing them together more realistically. I might get obsessed with making moodboards though and start neglecting Joe! Thanks for the clear and helpful tutorial! Conveying a second-nature skill in an understandable fashion takes work, time and patience.😁 I enjoy learning about all of these processes!

    Reply

    1. Lots of detail work for sure! Photoshop is definitely an investment and if you’re not doing it full-time or as a job, it’s a lot (of time & money). I’m all about your Pinterest board corral system- I think that’s fantastic! I’m also happy to hear you thought the tutorial was clear- that’s a big compliment coming from a teacher like yourself :)

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  2. Lisa Heller says:

    Great post! I love that vase. Is it new?

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  3. By far the best Design Moodboard tutorial I’ve seen. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

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    1. Really?! I’m so happy it was helpful Amber! This made my day. xox

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  4. Great job explaining! I’d be interested in any of the other topics you mentioned, too, Thank you!

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    1. I’ll definitely add some more editing video tutorials to the calendar :) It was actually pretty fun for me to make. xo

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  5. Shelley | Crazy WonderfuL says:

    I love these types of posts! A tutorial on how your edit interior photos would be amazing. I had switched over to Lightroom and Photoshop last year (had been using Picmonkey) and would definitely be interested in how you do it.

    Reply

  6. This was extremely useful to see, thank you for taking the time to share

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    1. So happy to hear it was useful! :)

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  7. Yes! Please give us as many tech tutorials as you can manage. It was very easy to understand through your perspective. Or maybe you just have a very reassuring tone? Lol. Anyway, thank you!

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    1. So happy it was helpful Erien! That’s such a nice compliment :)

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  8. I have suuuuch a love hate relationship with photoshop. I’m trying get better about using it and your video was super helpful.
    Thank you friend!!

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    1. So glad to hear that!! Once you get the hang of it, it will just become second nature :)

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  9. Loved the tutorial! I especially loved watching you create perspective with the floor! Mind blown. Would love to see more for sure :)

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    1. Thank you, Deanna! So happy you liked this one :)

      Reply