Creating a vision board is easier than ever when you have a checklist to follow. Keep reading for a thorough description of what you need and to download my printable vision board checklist.
So you’re going to make a vision board!
That’s great!!
Vision boards are excellent tools for getting “unstuck”.
They help you to make sure that time isn’t passing you by without your life actually going somewhere.
Also known as dream boards, they are basically a collage of images and text that represent the goals that you want to accomplish in the future.
When completed, it should inspire you, motivate you to live with intention, keep you focused on your priorities and serve as a visual reminder of where you are headed.
If you’re new to vision boarding (or it’s been a while), this post will completely explain what should be on your vision board and the tools that you need to get started.
read next : How (& Why) to Create a Vision Board as a Couple
Brainstorm & Plan Out Your Supplies (Depending on What Type of Vision Board You’re Making)
The vision board supplies that you’ll need depends on the type of board that you plan to use.
For example, you’ll need a much different set of materials if you plan to make a physical vision board than if you decide to make an online version.
Before I list off specific supplies, I will quickly go over the first steps that you need to take.
Decide on the Type/Category of Vision Board
One way to encourage your daily habits to fall in line with the goals that you have is to organize your vision board ideas into categories.
Some people like to make a general inspiration board, but others find it more effective to make a different board for each personal growth goal.
You also have the option of organizing different categories to different areas of the same board. (Best of both worlds!)
Here’s a list of the best categories & goal types to put on your vision board (+ examples of each), for your reference.
Set Clear Goals
What do you define as success? Get that picture in your head and then break it down into mini-goals that you need to achieve.
Be as clear as you can about the steps you need to take by setting “SMART” goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-Bound).
That is to say, the best action plans come with dates and progress that can be measured.
Mentally Map Out How You Want to Arrange the Board
Prepare your workspace by deciding how you’d like to arrange your board.
Some people use a vision board template to help them create this mental map.
I encourage you to use Google and Pinterest to browse vision board examples for inspiration.
Vision Board Materials Checklist
Now, the list.
By having all of your supplies ready and prepared, you won’t have to break your train of thought once you sit down to make your dream board.
This is why I’ve developed the following checklist for your vision board project.
pro-tip : you also have the option to make things super-simple by buying this complete vision board kit.
1. The Board (Poster, Cork Board, Journal, or Digital Design Program)
The board is your foundation. For this project, it is literally the backdrop for your hopes and dreams.
These are the most common types of boards and some of their pros & cons:
- POSTER BOARD(like this one)
- Pros: easy to find in stores, easy to save year after year for future reference, relatively cheap, easy to figure out
- Cons: not free, may contribute to waste, hard to move things around once taped/glued down
- FABRIC PINBOARD(like this custom one from Etsy)
- Pros: one time buy / reusable, allows you to move/adjust items easily, sustainable
- Cons: initial purchase more expensive, can’t save or scrapbook it for future reference
- CORK BOARD
- Pros: reusable, allows you to move/adjust items easily, sustainable
- Cons: initial purchase more expensive, can’t save or scrapbook it for future reference
- JOURNAL
- Pros: portable, easy to make separate pages for different vision board categories
- Cons: easy to lose, hard to move things around once taped/glued down
- ONLINE VISION BOARD / VISION BOARD APPS
- Pros: paperless/minimal waste, cheap or free, no other supplies needed, easy to save as phone or computer wallpaper and screensaver, portable and more accessible
- Cons: not tangible, the technology may have a steep learning curve, smaller than the rest
- Examples: Digital Vision Board Kit, Pinterest, Canva, Visuapp
Just remember that the board you choose will determine where and how you can hang it up. (E.g. Pins for cork boards, tape for poster board, etc).
There are countless other locations where you can improvise a vision board with simply some tape and some cut-outs.
This includes a wall in your home or cubicle, the fridge, door, mirror or car dashboard (helpful if you spend a lot of time in your car).
The only important thing is that you are able to see it!
2. Pictures, Words, Accents, Magazine Clippings
The main materials needed for a vision board are the photos and words that represent your life vision.
It’s easily the most important part of this project.
Here are some examples of content that you may choose to put on your board:
- Motivating affirmations
- Symbolic photos
- Meaningful quotes
- Pictures of role models and people you admire
- Ambitious purchases or investments
- A mantra or theme word
- Inspirational song lyrics
- A list of your priorities
- Community projects
- Travel destinations or bucket list
- Family values
- Vibes, emotions and character traits
Where To Find Content:
- The most classic source for content: magazines.
When you sit down, try to have 3-5 different magazines that you can pick through.
If you don’t have any (or enough) magazines at home, visit your local library, doctor & dentist offices, salons and/or thrift stores to see if you can snag some for free (or really cheap).
- You can also repurpose old junk mail, published journals and newspapers.
- Print photos from your phone or social media, using this portable HP instant photo printer.
- Print my vision board quotes and my free abundance affirmations, then cut out the ones that you like for your board.
- Finally, you can buy pre-cut magazine clippings, words and phrases here.
3. Adhesives (Glue, Double-Sided Tape, Pins)
If you’re making a physical vision board, you’ll need something to attach things to the board.
My favorite adhesive to use is this double sided tape – it’s easy to use, cheap and gives me a clean look.
Glue and regular tape also work well and if you’re in the mood for something more decorative, try washi tape.
If you’re using a cork or pinboard, you will need some nice push pins or magnets.
4. Cutting Tool(s)
You probably already scissors lying around at home. However, if you don’t, make sure to get one.
And if you’re able, consider getting some decorative edged scissors to add extra pizzazz to your cutouts!
5. Writing Utensils (Markers, Sharpies, Pens)
Next on the list of vision board supplies are the items you will need to add some context to this project.
Writing utensils will help you connect different ideas, add labels and titles, write in phrases and even decorate the board if you want.
6. Art Supplies (Glitter, Stickers)
After all the meaningful content has been added to your board, use art supplies to make your dream board aesthetically pleasing and personal.
I absolutely love stickers as decorative materials for a vision board. Particularly this super affordable bundle of motivational stickers.
7. A Distraction-Free Zone
Do not underestimate the importance of ambiance when working on your inspiration board.
Stimulate your creativity and focus and indulge your senses with relaxing music, pleasant candles, comfortable clothes, and yummy snacks.
8. A Plan to Visualize Daily/Weekly
Now, don’t just make that dream board and then lose track of it.
It won’t do anything by itself; it’s not magic now.
Display your board somewhere that you can see it regularly- multiple times a day is best.
Did you create a digital version? Set it as your screensaver, wallpaper or set an alarm clock to remind you to look at it.
Whenever you see it, visualize what your dreams look like, what they feel like and what the end result will smell and sound like. This will constantly motivate you and make you think about what your next move should be.
It can also help to track your progress with a journal.
Lastly, ask a friend to keep you accountable! This is easy to do if you host a vision board party with your friends.
Don’t forget that I’d love to see your vision board!
Please tag me on Instagram!
Don’t Forget to Download Your Vision Board Checklist PDF!
CLICK HERE (or the image below) to download this infographic :
*This printable is for personal & non-commercial use only. Not authorized for resale or retail use*
I hope that this vision board supplies list has been useful for you.
Use it when you go shopping for supplies or as you get ready to throw your vision board party!
And finally….. Happy Vision Boarding!
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