My Vision Board Journey

The Beginning

When I initially decided to create a vision board, at least ten years ago, I made a physical one.  I went to Michaels and purchased a 27” x 40” poster board, and I also purchased some popular magazines in the hopes that they would have photos that fit my vision. 

I didn’t have a theme for my vision board at the time.  I used the plain white poster board as my canvas and added things to it where they would fit.  This primarily included pictures and Post-it notes of things I wanted for myself.  In hindsight, my board wasn’t visually appealing and it looked like something I threw together without a lot of forethought, but it was a start.  While I didn’t stress over it, I wouldn’t do the same today.  I am more intentional about the appearance of my vision board since that is important to me, and the one I use today is more aligned with the accomplishments I see for myself.  While my first vision board did not look amazing, I can testify that it was still effective. 

Stepping It Up

I maintained my physical vision board for a few years but found that I didn’t update it often.  As someone with a very busy schedule, it was hard to make time to find and sift through magazines, clip pictures and words, and arrange them on my board.  I also didn’t like wasting resources by printing out things I found online and adding them to my board.  I wanted my vision board to stay current and reflect what I desired for my future, but the process was not ideal.  I eventually had the idea to create a digital one.  Somehow, I knew that would work better for me.  I had not actually seen one, but as a creative, I was excited to craft one.

The Background

As a visual artist who loves color, I realized that a plain white background was a non-starter for me.  I made do with one for my physical vision board, but we were entering new territory here.  Designing artwork is my jam, and my laptop is one of my BFFs.

By nature, I am drawn to bold colors, and I always consider them when designing products for my fashion and accessories brand, SKCreations, LLC.  Each color has meaning, and they can affect us in different ways.  A color may not hit one person the way it does another, and I think it is interesting to know why you may or may not be drawn to them.  Color psychology has been studied widely, and it is meant to provide an understanding of how color affects human behavior and emotions.  For example:

• Yellow is considered creative, representing new ideas and new ways of doing things (think Post-it notes and legal pads)
• Orange is associated with warmth and happiness (think the Sun)
• Green is associated with balance and growth (think nature)
• Blue is associated with trust, serenity, and peace (think uniforms for firefighters, police officers, and airline pilots)
• Purple is associated with sensitivity and compassion (think Purple Heart)
• Mauve is associated with elegance, calmness, and innovation

These are very simple examples, and the meanings and feelings associated with them and other colors are far more extensive.

I chose to go with a mauve background for my digital vision board that is highly focused on the goals I have for my brand.  I also incorporated shades of soft gray, which promote mental clarity.  Although I gravitate to vibrant colors for my fashion designs, I feel that these colors are perfect for my digital vision board because they set the tone for the energy I want it to convey. 

Word-Focused

Instead of using pictures like I had in the past, I decided that my digital vision board would be word-focused.  Words tend to cut through noise faster than images, and for someone who is goal-driven such as myself, this approach is more direct.  It removes the pressure to pick the perfect image, and offers more flexibility.  Images usually show results, while words shape self-concept.  Words are easier to read daily, memorize, repeat internally, and turn into affirmations.  Digital vision boards that are word-focused also fit phone lock screens, tablets, and desktops easily.

Topping It Off

I chose to infuse my vision board with some happy vibes by placing a selfie from my first New York Fashion Week Show on the top left side.  I took it while waiting to be interviewed about my brand and the collection I would be introducing in the show.  It was my first designer interview and I was feeling excited and a little nervous about what I would say, but I was leaning into it with all the confidence I could muster.  A smiling selfie just before they called me in seemed appropriate.  It is a wonderful memory.