How to Create Book Club Vision Boards Based on Characters or Themes
Table of content
- 1. Key Takeaways
- 2. What Is a Book Club Vision Board and Why Make One?
- 3. Choosing a Focus: Character, Theme, Setting, or Vibe
- 4. What You Need: Supplies for Digital or Physical Boards
- 5. How to Build the Vision Board as a Group
- 6. How to Use Book Quotes, Fan Art, and Symbolism
- 7. Vision Boards as Icebreakers and Reflection Tools
- 8. Creative Display and Storage Ideas
- 9. Books That Work Best for Thematic Vision Boards
Key Takeaways
- Vision boards help bring a book’s world to life through visuals.
- You can focus on characters, themes, settings, or emotional tone.
- Use digital tools like Pinterest or physical materials like magazines.
- Boards encourage creativity and deeper book club conversations.
- They can be used as keepsakes, icebreakers, or story summaries.
- Great for fantasy, romance, historical fiction, or memoir genres.
- Try book-themed ideas from The Top 5 Book Series to Dive Into Right Now.
- Include quotes, colors, and images that capture the book’s mood.
What Is a Book Club Vision Board and Why Make One?
A Book Club Vision Board is a collection of images, words, and colors that represent parts of a book. It helps readers connect with the story in a new way. You don’t just talk about the book — you show it.
One club I worked with created a board for The Secret Garden. They filled it with floral cutouts, a tiny iron key, quotes about healing, and the color green everywhere. Everyone remembered details from the book months later because of that board.
Vision boards aren’t just for kids or creative types. They’re a tool for focus and fun.
Related: 5 Questions to Spark Engaging Book Club Discussions
Choosing a Focus: Character, Theme, Setting, or Vibe
You can’t include everything, so pick one main focus for the board. This helps guide what to look for in images, quotes, and textures.
| Focus Type | Description | Example |
| Character | Based on one person from the story | Jay Gatsby’s parties, gold, green light |
| Theme | Central idea in the book | Found family, grief, growth |
| Setting | Where the story takes place | 1920s New York, Mars colony, old village |
| Vibe | The book’s mood or tone | Cozy, spooky, dramatic, dreamy |
Before the board-making session, have club members vote on which angle to take.
Try This: Beyond the Book: Fun Activities for Book Clubs
What You Need: Supplies for Digital or Physical Boards
You can make a vision board using online tools or with hands-on supplies.
Digital tools:
- Canva
- Google Slides
- Image search for moodboards
Physical supplies:
- Old magazines and newspapers
- Scissors and glue
- Poster board or canvas
- Washi tape, stickers, colored markers
A great add-on is printing themed quotes from your book, or even reusing materials from a Personalized Book Gift Box.🖼️
How to Build the Vision Board as a Group
Here’s a simple way to do this with your club:
- Assign roles (image collector, quote finder, board designer).
- Set a timer (30–45 minutes).
- Work in stations or collaboratively.
- Take photos of your board if it’s physical.
| Role | Task |
| Image Collector | Finds pictures online or in magazines |
| Quote Finder | Selects short quotes or lines from the book |
| Designer | Arranges layout and color scheme |
| Presenter | Shares the meaning behind the choices |
Related: How to Start a Book Club with Friends
How to Use Book Quotes, Fan Art, and Symbolism
Quotes are powerful. Choose lines that stick in your head or show a shift in the story.
You can also add:
- Symbols (clocks, mirrors, keys, fire, etc.)
- Colors that match characters’ emotions
- Fan art with credits (find pieces via Tumblr Book Art)
One book club I joined created a vision board for Six of Crows using red string, maps, crow feathers, and black paper. Everyone remembered the plot twists better that way.
Vision Boards as Icebreakers and Reflection Tools
Use the board early in the reading cycle as a way to get to know the book.
Ways to use it:
- First meeting: Make guesses or predictions visually.
- Middle: Add or remove images as things change.
- End: Reflect on how the book’s mood or theme evolved.
Use This: 10 Icebreaker Questions for Your Next Book Club Meeting
Creative Display and Storage Ideas
After creating your board, don’t throw it away!
Display ideas:
- Hang it in your reading room or common area.
- Scan it and make bookmarks.
- Take photos and create a slideshow.
Storage tips:
- Use a shared Google Drive folder.
- Print and laminate pieces to reuse in the future.
Related: Bookshelf Organization Styles
Books That Work Best for Thematic Vision Boards
Some books naturally spark strong visuals. Here are genres that work well:
| Genre | Book Example | Vision Board Elements |
| Fantasy | The Night Circus | Black and white, circus props, magic |
| Romance | The Flatshare | Yellow, sticky notes, cozy scenes |
| Memoir | Educated | Mountains, books, family tree |
| Historical | The Book Thief | WWII imagery, red books, snow |
For more ideas, check out The Best Fantasy Books That Will Truly Enchant You.🖼️
What’s the goal of a book club vision board?
To help readers connect with the story in a creative, visual way.
Can I make one alone or is it for groups only?
You can make one solo or with your club. Both work great.
What if we don’t have art skills?
It’s not about art. It’s about ideas. Use simple cutouts or digital tools.
How long should it take?
About 30–60 minutes, depending on your club size.
