5 Practical Tips for Using Storyboard That in Your Next Project

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 5 min read

Storyboard That is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you bring your creative ideas to life. With a user-friendly interface and countless options for customization, it's no wonder that it has become a go-to for professionals and beginners alike. In this blog, we'll walk you through five practical tips for using Storyboard That in your next project, ensuring that you create a visually engaging and effective storyboard.

1. Start with a Template

Starting with a template is a great way to kick off your storyboard that project. Templates provide you with a solid foundation to build upon, helping you save time and effort in the process. There are a variety of templates available on Storyboard That, so let's explore how to choose the right one and customize it to suit your needs.

Choose the Right Template

First things first, you need to select a template that aligns with your project's purpose. Storyboard That offers templates for various industries, such as business, education, and marketing, as well as different formats like comics, slideshows, and timelines. Think about the overall structure and narrative of your project to determine which template will work best for you.

Customize the Template

Once you've chosen the perfect template, it's time to make it your own. Storyboard That allows you to customize various elements of your template, including colors, backgrounds, and layouts. Don't be afraid to play around with different options to create a unique and visually appealing storyboard that reflects your project's tone and style.

2. Use Icons and Images Effectively

Visual elements are the heart and soul of any storyboard, and Storyboard That offers a vast library of icons and images for you to use. To create a captivating storyboard that effectively conveys your message, it's essential to utilize these resources in a smart and purposeful manner. Let's explore some tips for finding and using icons and images effectively in your storyboard.

Search for Relevant Icons

When it comes to finding the right icons for your storyboard, focus on relevance and context. Use the search feature in Storyboard That to find icons that accurately represent the characters, objects, or concepts you want to illustrate in your project. Remember, the goal is to create a clear and engaging visual narrative, so choose icons that help you achieve this.

Resize and Rotate Images

Once you've found the perfect icons, it's important to ensure they fit well within your storyboard. Storyboard That allows you to resize and rotate images to suit your layout and design. Feel free to experiment with different sizes and orientations to find the perfect balance and create a cohesive, eye-catching storyboard that effectively tells your story.

3. Organize Your Storyboard

Now that you have a solid foundation of relevant icons and images, it's time to arrange them in a way that makes sense to your audience. A well-organized storyboard is key to conveying your ideas clearly and effectively. Let's dive into some tips to help you organize your storyboard in Storyboard That.

Arrange Scenes in a Logical Order

First and foremost, make sure your storyboard follows a logical sequence. Whether you're telling a story, explaining a process, or showcasing a series of events, it's crucial to arrange your scenes in a way that helps your audience understand the flow of your narrative. In Storyboard That, you can easily drag and drop scenes to rearrange them as needed, ensuring your storyboard is easy to follow and engaging.

Use Layers to Create Depth

A great way to make your storyboard visually appealing is by using layers to create depth. In Storyboard That, you can layer icons and images to add dimension and make your scenes more dynamic. To do this, simply right-click an image and choose "Send to Back" or "Bring to Front" to adjust its position within the scene. Experiment with layers to create a visually engaging storyboard that captures your audience's attention and keeps them interested in your project's content.

4. Add Text and Speech Bubbles

Text and speech bubbles are essential elements in your storyboard that help communicate your ideas more effectively. They can provide context, dialogue, and explanations to support the visuals. Let's explore some practical tips for using text and speech bubbles in your Storyboard That project.

Choose Appropriate Fonts

When adding text to your storyboard, it's important to choose fonts that are easy to read and visually appealing. Storyboard That offers a variety of font options to suit your project's needs. Consider the tone and style of your storyboard when selecting a font, and make sure it complements your visuals. For example, a playful, handwritten font might be perfect for a children's story, while a clean, modern font works well for a professional presentation.

Position Speech Bubbles for Clarity

Speech bubbles are a great way to incorporate dialogue and narration into your storyboard. In Storyboard That, you can customize the shape, size, and position of speech bubbles to fit your scenes. Be mindful of where you place speech bubbles to avoid covering important visual elements. Additionally, ensure the flow of dialogue is clear by positioning speech bubbles in a logical order, so your audience can easily follow along. Don't be afraid to resize or rotate speech bubbles to make them fit seamlessly within your scenes.

Once you've created your masterpiece using Storyboard That, it's time to share it with the world! Exporting and sharing your storyboard is a breeze with the right tools and options. Let's look at some practical tips to make your project easily accessible to your audience or team members.

Choose the Right Export Options

Storyboard That offers various export options to suit your needs. You can download your storyboard as an image, PDF, or even a PowerPoint presentation. Consider the format that's best suited for your audience and the platform where you'll be sharing your storyboard. For instance, an image file might be ideal for social media or a blog post, while a PDF is more suitable for printing or email attachments. Don't forget to select the appropriate quality and resolution for your exported file to ensure it looks great on any device.

Collaboration is key in many creative projects, and Storyboard That makes it easy to share your storyboard with your team members. You can invite others to view or edit your storyboard by sending them a unique link or by adding them as collaborators in your Storyboard That account. This way, your team can provide feedback, make suggestions, or contribute their own ideas to the project. By working together, you'll not only improve your storyboard but also strengthen your team's communication and creative skills.

Now you're ready to make the most of Storyboard That in your next project! With these practical tips in mind, you'll be able to create engaging, visually appealing storyboards that effectively communicate your ideas. So, what are you waiting for? Start your storytelling journey today!

If you're looking to explore the world of visual storytelling, don't miss the workshop 'How To Design Your First Visual Story' by Lily Stock. This workshop will provide you with the necessary tools and guidance to create captivating stories through visual elements. Dive in and start designing your very own visual story today!