For every rebrand project, I create a secret Pinterest board where I ask my client to gather visual inspiration for their brand. This is usually the part of the rebranding process that the client absolutely loves and has a lot of fun with.
The main reason that I ask my clients to do this, is so we are both on the same page when it comes to the style and feel of the brand. What one person may think of “clean and simple” may be completely different from another. Communicating clearly and effectively is extremely important to my process and I find that the brand Pinterest board is a perfect way to do this. I find that it helps me know exactly what you are looking for, speeds up the branding process, and allows me to deliver a brand that excites and delights, and you can’t get better than that.
Not all Pinterest boards are created equally. It’s important to know how to put together an effective Pinterest board but this process can sometimes be confusing for the client. So I have put together a sample board and I answered some of the questions I receive most frequently on how to create an effective Pinterest board for your rebrand.
It’s important to include a wide variety of inspirations. Don’t worry about whether or not your Pinterest board is cohesive and perfectly curated, that’s where your brand designer comes in. It’s more important to pin things that directly speak to your business and your ideal customers.
Here are some things that you should include in your Pinterest Board:
If your brand is moody you may search for black or dark red, if your brand is earthy think greens and browns, if your brand is feminine you may search for blush and creamy colors.
Patterns and texture are important brand assets that can be used on different collateral to portray your brand personality.
Look for fonts and typography that resonate with you and your ideal client. Keep in mind that sans serif fonts are great for modern and minimalist brands. Serif fonts are great for classic and sophisticated brands. Calligraphy, script, or hand drawn fonts are great for secondary fonts to add brand personality.
Pin logos that are relevant in your industry, inspire you, or that you think would resonate with your ideal client. Your designer should never directly copy these logos but use them as inspiration for your logo.
Like the logo designs, your designer should never copy the whole web-design but pull elements from it as inspiration. Make sure to comment on the pin what it is you like about the web design. Do you like the way the content is organized? Do you like the long one-page scrolling website? Do you like the large image above the fold on the homepage?
These could be photos that speak to the overall mood of your brand or could be images of where you see your ideal customer living, vacationing, or eating. Make sure to leave good detailed comments on these photos so your brand designer knows exactly what you like about them.
Look for graphic elements, icons, or illustrations that may be relevant to your brand. Do you like a hand-drawn illustrative style or a clean, graphical style? Look for graphical elements that are relative to your brand, such as flowers, animals, people, or abstract shapes.
If you are having trouble getting started, take a look at my Pinterest boards that I have broken up into different categories such as typography, pattern, texture, etc. to help you get started.
Yes! This is so so important in helping your designer know what exactly about the image or graphic you have pinned that you like. You can either comment on your pins as you go or at the end once you have finished your Pinterest board. Make sure to leave feedback or notes on all of the pins commenting on textures, shapes, colors, typography, or even the general feel of the image. Make note of anything that you liked about the image.
Hover over the ping and click the edit/pencil icon. Here you can change the board, the section, or the description. If there is text already, you can delete it and write your own description describing what it is you like about the pin.
Review and edit your board. If there are any pins on your board that you don’t love, delete them. You don’t have to create your brand board in one sitting. It is best to take some time and revisit your brand board to make sure it is fully conveying how you would like your brand to feel.
Creating a Pinterest Brand Board is so important in making sure that you and your brand designer’s vision aligns. Creating your Pinterest brand board can be one of the most exciting parts of launching your brand. So let’s get started pinning.
Once I receive the Pinterest board back from my client, I review it and created a brand mood board.
I do research of the client’s competitive market and begin building an in-depth brand strategy. I discover the brand’s message, style, ideal client, and how to speak directly to the ideal client through design. Excited yet? Because I am!
Let’s get started in creating your Pinterest mood board! Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation on how to get started in your branding process.