Whether for film, animation, theater, comic books, or even in marketing, storyboards play a crucial role in transforming ideas into life. So, if you’re working on a project, storyboarding is highly recommended. However, before you create your own storyboard, here are some do’s and don’ts you should consider that can shape the success of your visual narrative. Let’s start!
Rule #1: Start with Clear Objectives
Before you start sketching your storyboard, it’s important to know what message you want to share and what approach to use. Setting clear goals from the beginning helps ensure that your storyboard will make a strong impact on audiences.
Do:
- Clearly define the main message or concept you want your storyboard to convey.
- Identify the key emotions or ideas you want your audience to feel and understand.
- Plan specific visuals and storytelling techniques that will effectively convey your message.
Don’t:
- Don’t start your storyboard without a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with it.
- Don’t forget to make sure every visual element supports your main message.
- Don’t neglect the importance of coherence and consistency in communicating your central idea throughout the storyboard.
Rule #2: Prioritize Simplicity
When you’re making a storyboard, it’s essential to keep things simple. This makes it easier for people to understand your story. By using straightforward visuals, you can ensure that your message comes across clearly.
Do:
- Keep your images simple, clear, and straightforward.
- Make sure everything is easy to understand.
- Draw the main ideas and important details.
- Use quick drawings to get your ideas running.
Don’t:
- Don’t overcrowd your storyboard with intricate details that might confuse people.
- Don’t make the visuals so complicated that they take away from the main message.
Rule #3: Ensure Continuity
When you’re telling a story, it’s crucial to keep things moving smoothly so that everyone can follow along. Making sure that each part connects well to the next helps keep your audience interested and not be lost in the narrative.
Do:
- Ensure each part of your storyboard connects smoothly to the next.
- Keep your character’s appearance and actions consistent.
- Check the timing and speed of your storyboard —it should match the story.
- Use recurring elements within your illustrations to unify the narrative.
Don’t:
- Don’t include parts in your storyboard that don’t make sense with the rest of the story. Make sure everything fits together.
- Don’t forget to check if everything looks the same throughout your storyboard, such as the backgrounds, characters, and other elements.
- Don’t ignore how fast or slow things happen. Sudden changes can make your story hard to follow.
Rule #4: Seek Feedback and Iterate
Remember, two or more creative brains are better than one. Collaboration is key, and receiving feedback from others can greatly enhance your output. Collective ideas often lead to a successful narrative of your storyboard.
Do:
- Share your storyboard with others and ask for specific feedback on its strengths and weaknesses.
- Pay attention to how viewers interpret and engage with your storyboard, and consider their suggestions for improvements.
- Iterate on your initial draft, incorporating valuable feedback to enhance the overall impact and storytelling of your storyboard.
Don’t:
- Don’t assume your first draft is perfect. Be open to constructive criticism and recognize that there’s always room for improvement.
- Don’t disregard the significance of audience perspectives. Embrace feedback as a valuable tool for crafting a more compelling and effective storyboard.
- Don’t forget to revise and refine your storyboard based on the insights you gather. Iterative improvements can elevate your storytelling to new heights.
Rule #5: Incorporate AI into Your Storyboard
Utilizing AI in your storyboarding process can make things quicker and more accurate. It’s like having a helpful assistant to make your work better and faster. So, that’s one thing you should include in your list: Use AI storyboard.
Do:
- Find the right AI tools that help you make your storyboard better and faster.
- Explore different AI options like tools that generate scripts, images, sketches, and more to improve how you work.
- Use an AI storyboard generator that can do everything you need at once.
Don’t:
- Don’t solely rely on AI completely without understanding how it works.
- Don’t neglect to keep an eye on things and make sure the AI is helping you in the right way.
- Don’t forget to conduct quality checks to maintain the standard of your work.
Rule #6: Stay Updated with AI Advancements
Keeping up with the changes in AI is important to stay ahead. Knowing about the latest tools and techniques can really help make your storyboarding process better.
Do:
- Keep learning about the newest AI tools and methods for storyboarding.
- Use Google Alerts to get updates about the latest changes and news in the industry.
- Follow people who are experts and create content in AI and storyboarding to learn from them.
Don’t:
- Don’t keep using old ways when there are new and better AI tools available. Try the latest things to improve how you make storyboards.
- Don’t ignore the latest updates and advancements in AI that could potentially make your storyboarding process more efficient.
- Don’t disregard the insights shared by industry experts and influential voices in the field of AI and storyboarding. They can offer valuable guidance for staying updated and improving your skills.
Conclusion
To sum up, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind for effective storyboarding. And don’t forget, incorporating an AI storyboard generator can be a game-changer. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.