Chapter 2: Reference Boards & Mood Boards
10-15% Rule Application: Proper references can double your keeper rate
Content:
Core Elements
- What makes a good reference board
- Visual mood boards vs. technical reference
- Finding and organizing reference images
- Style coherence across multiple references
- Setting and environment references
NEW: Reference Hierarchy Systems
- Primary style drivers vs. secondary inspiration
- Organizing references by priority
- Communicating reference hierarchies in prompts
- Weight and emphasis in multi-reference prompts
- When references conflict: Resolution strategies
Practical Elements:
- How to build a mood board (tools and process)
- Example boards: Different genres and styles
- Reference hierarchy template: Primary/Secondary/Tertiary system
- Exercise: Create a mood board for your project
- Using reference images in AI prompts (techniques)
Real Example
Nova the Explorer character mood board with hierarchical organization
- ⚡ Quick Win: 10-image starter mood board method
Figma Workflow for Mood Board Creation:
- Complete Figma Mood Board Process:
- Setting up Figma frames for organized mood boards
- Creating primary, secondary, and tertiary reference layers
- Using Figma's grid system for visual organization
- Color extraction tools and palette creation in Figma
- Adding annotations and notes to reference images
- Organizing multiple mood boards per project (characters, environments, props, style)
- Figma Frames for Organization:
- Frame structure for different asset types
- Naming conventions for easy navigation
- Using pages to separate project phases
- Creating master reference sheets within Figma
- Team collaboration features for feedback
- Figma as Refinement Tool:
- Overlaying AI outputs with original references
- Visual comparison frames (reference vs. output)
- Annotation layers for corrections and adjustments
- Creating iteration tracking boards
- Before/after comparison layouts
- Exporting from Figma for AI Input:
- Export settings for optimal AI compatibility
- Batch export workflows for multiple references
- Creating composite reference images
- Exporting annotated guides for prompting
- Format optimization (PNG, JPG settings)
- Resolution guidelines for different AI platforms
- Organizing exported assets for AI workflows
Step-by-Step Figma Mood Board Tutorial:
1. Create new Figma file with project structure
2. Set up frames for each reference category
3. Import and arrange reference images
4. Add hierarchy indicators (primary/secondary/tertiary)
5. Extract and document color palettes
6. Add annotation layers with key observations
7. Create export presets for AI platforms
8. Export organized reference packages
Integration:
- Course Connection: Links to Video Module 1.3 - "Visual Reference Mastery"
- For Independent Learners: Reference image sources list in Appendix D
- Figma Resources: Complete mood board template file and export presets available
- Looking Ahead: The Figma frame organization skills learned here will be expanded in Chapter 4 for storyboard creation
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