How To Create A Storyboard For Your Animation

The pre-visualisation stage of animation is known as storyboarding. Without a good strategy to guide it, no project is ever successful. A storyboard in animation is equivalent to a blueprint in construction. You must build the foundation of your animation project using storyboarding if you want it to proceed smoothly.

We’ve got your back if you’re new to the whole animation and storyboarding scene. We’ll show you how to create an animation storyboard in this post.

While the basic elements of storyboards are the same for projects, there are differences depending on the project. However, three crucial elements must be considered when creating the storyboard for any animation production.

Most people will believe that storyboarding is the planning stage that should be completed first. However, this isn’t always the case, and a lot relies on the size and nature of the job.

It is fine to start with storyboarding if your project is small or you already have a clear idea about it in your head. However, this is more beneficial because you may understand where dialogue and action are.

The best approach is moving from the script to the storyboard when working on a big project, such as a full-length feature film or a short film. When storyboarding, the script gives the narrative a defined sequence and direction. It also aids with scene planning and visualisation.

Like any other process in the world, storyboarding for an animation production may be broadly separated into three parts. Here are the steps to take if you want to create a storyboard for animation in the best, most organised manner possible:

• Create a synopsis for the story. This helps provide a clearer picture of the events that will occur or be depicted in the story and the story’s goal.
• List each character in your story along with their function. In this way, you will be able to notice any duplicate roles.
• Make a quick note of the tools you have at your hand and the techniques you can use. It will protect you from creating a scene that is not possible.
• Decide on the storyboard’s format based solely on the type of project and your tastes.

• The most crucial thing to remember is to arrange your scenes in time order. Many people begin with the most challenging or beloved scenes. Anachronisms and discontinuities will result from this.
• One frame should represent one scene from the story. Important details will be lost when trying to fit more in, and when trying to spread out one step over several frames, you will require extra time and effort.
• To make the specifics of the scene clear in moviemaking language, use arrows, grids, and lines. However, be sure to include instructions and specifics as appropriate. The verbal and visual elements should enhance one another.
• Each scene needs to be appropriately labelled and annotated to prevent confusion later.

• After your storyboard is finished and presented to the clients, expect feedback and helpful criticism. These responses may prompt reworks and revisions.
• Whenever you revise something, check to see if the continuity with other plot sections is still intact.
• Whenever a significant revision is made, preserve both versions of the work.

You need to keep in mind three factors when creating an animation storyboard. First, all the information about each frame that you will use to execute the scene is covered in three documents.

Dialogue is the expression of a character’s words during a situation. It verbally depicts how the action will develop in the scene. It can be included as a separate text field or inside the frame.

Any significant action a character makes in the scene that advances the narrative visually is referred to as action. It will help if you put this under each character’s significant action that impacts the plot.

How a situation is staged determines how it will be presented. This relates to the presence and placement of people and things in that scenario

After reading the points above, you should now have a solid understanding of how to develop storyboards for animation. Here are some helpful tips to bear in mind:

• Don’t attempt to produce a frame-by-frame representation of the plot in the storyboard or treat it like a shooting board.
• Every scene ought to contribute to the development of the narrative.
• Make sure there is a smooth transition from one scene to the next.
• Use the sketching methods and tools you need to convey your point. There is no need to stress cleanliness because this is only the planning phase.
• Create your storyboards with the appropriate software. Using the incorrect instrument can complicate your life.

Still not convinced about how to create an animation storyboard? Or want to create one for your business but don’t have the time? At Interact, our in-house graphic designer and animator will work directly with you to understand the specific needs of your business. So talk to us today about professional, engaging video and animation to help grow your business.