Understanding Storyboard: Definition, Benefits, and Best Practices

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 7 min read

Understanding the world of storyboarding can be both exciting and beneficial for anyone involved in creative projects. In this blog, we'll explore the storyboard definition, its history, purpose, and the advantages it brings to the table. We'll also share some best practices and real-world examples to help you grasp the concept better and apply it to your own projects. So, let's dive in and learn all about storyboarding!

Definition of Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of a story or concept, created by arranging a series of illustrations, images, or sketches in a sequence. These visuals help convey the flow of events, actions, and ideas in a project such as a film, animation, or advertisement. Now that we have the storyboard definition down, let's explore its history and purpose.

Storyboard History

Storyboards have been an essential tool in the world of storytelling and visual arts for decades. They were first introduced in the 1930s by Walt Disney Studios to plan out their animated films. The idea was to create a visual blueprint for the animation process, helping artists and directors better understand the narrative flow and make informed decisions. Over time, storyboarding has become a popular practice in various industries, including film, television, advertising, and even product design and development.

Storyboard Purpose

Now that we know the storyboard definition and its history, let's discuss its purpose. Storyboards serve several key functions in the creative process:

Visual communication: They help visualize complex ideas, making it easier to understand and communicate the story or concept to others.
Planning and organization: Creating a storyboard allows you to plan and organize your project, ensuring a smooth flow of events and transitions.
Collaboration: They provide a common reference point for team members to discuss, share ideas, and make changes.
Efficiency: By spotting potential problems early on, storyboards help save time and resources during the production process.

With a clear understanding of the storyboard definition, history, and purpose, we can now move on to the benefits and best practices of using storyboards.

Benefits of Storyboards

There's a reason storyboarding has become popular across various industries— it offers numerous advantages that make it an invaluable tool for creative projects. Let's explore some of these benefits.

Visualizing Your Ideas

One of the primary benefits of storyboarding is its ability to help you visualize your ideas. By creating a visual representation of your story or concept, you can better understand how the various elements fit together and identify any potential issues before they become larger problems. This can save time and effort during the production process and lead to a more polished final product.

Improving Collaboration

Storyboarding is an excellent tool for fostering collaboration among team members. By providing a clear visual reference, it enables everyone to easily understand the project's goals and direction. This shared understanding can lead to more productive discussions, faster decision-making, and improved cooperation among team members.

Saving Time and Resources

By identifying potential issues early in the process, storyboards can help save both time and resources. This allows you to make necessary changes and adjustments before investing too much effort into an idea that may not work out. Ultimately, this can lead to a more efficient production process and a higher-quality end result.

Now that we've covered the benefits of using storyboards, let's discuss some best practices to help you get the most out of this powerful tool.

Best Practices for Storyboards

Whether you're a seasoned storyboard artist or just starting out, there are a few best practices you should follow to ensure your storyboards are as effective as possible.

Choosing the Right Software

While traditional paper and pencil storyboards are still widely used, there are many digital storyboard tools available that can streamline the process and provide additional features. When selecting software, consider factors such as ease of use, collaboration capabilities, and the availability of built-in templates and assets. Some popular options include Storyboard That, Boords, and Frameforge.

Storyboard Templates

Using templates can save you time and ensure a consistent layout for your storyboards. Many storyboard software options offer pre-designed templates, or you can create your own to suit your specific needs. Templates should be simple and easy to follow, with enough space for your visuals and any accompanying text or notes.

Using Colors and Textures

While many storyboards are created using simple black and white sketches, incorporating color and texture can help enhance your visuals and make your storyboards more engaging. Use colors sparingly and intentionally to highlight important elements or convey specific emotions. Textures can also add depth and character to your images, making them more visually appealing.

Reviewing and Revising

Just like any creative project, storyboards should be reviewed and revised as needed. Revisiting your storyboards throughout the process allows you to make necessary adjustments, ensuring your final product aligns with your vision. Remember, storyboarding is an iterative process, so don't be afraid to make changes and refine your ideas as you go.

Now, let's take a look at some real-world examples of storyboarding in action.

Real-World Examples

Storyboarding is used across various industries and contexts, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness. Here are two examples that illustrate its impact:

Disney Storyboarding

As mentioned earlier, Walt Disney Studios pioneered the use of storyboards in the 1930s. One of the most famous examples of their storyboarding technique can be seen in the classic animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The detailed storyboards for the film allowed animators to meticulously plan each scene, ensuring a fluid and cohesive narrative that still captivates audiences today.

Storyboards in Advertising

Advertising agencies often use storyboards to plan and pitch their ideas to clients. For example, the iconic Apple "1984" commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, was first presented to clients using a storyboard. This visual representation helped convey the commercial's groundbreaking concept and ultimately led to the creation of one of the most memorable ads in history.

By exploring these real-world examples, we can appreciate the power and versatility of storyboarding as a creative tool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the storyboard definition, its benefits, and best practices can be incredibly valuable for any creative professional. By incorporating storyboarding into your workflow, you can effectively visualize your ideas, improve collaboration, and save time and resources. So go ahead, give storyboarding a try and see the positive impact it can have on your projects.

Best Practices for Storyboards

Creating effective storyboards requires attention to detail and a thoughtful approach. Here are some best practices to help you get the most out of your storyboarding experience:

Choosing the Right Software

Storyboard Templates

Using Colors and Textures

Reviewing and Revising

By following these best practices, you can create effective storyboards that bring your ideas to life and enhance your creative projects.

Real-World Examples

Storyboards are used in various industries and contexts. Let's take a look at some real-world examples of storyboarding in action:

Disney Storyboarding

Walt Disney Studios is one of the pioneers in the use of storyboards for animation. The storyboard process was crucial in bringing classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and The Lion King to life. Disney's storyboards are known for their detailed illustrations and clear visual storytelling, which have set the standard for animated films around the world.

Storyboards in Advertising

Advertising agencies often use storyboards to plan and pitch their commercial campaigns. By creating a visual representation of their ideas, ad agencies can more effectively communicate their concepts to clients and production teams. For example, Apple's iconic "1984" Super Bowl commercial was first sketched out in a storyboard, allowing director Ridley Scott to effectively execute his vision for the groundbreaking ad.

Whether it's animating beloved characters or bringing an advertising campaign to life, storyboards play a crucial role in various creative industries. By understanding the storyboard definition and applying best practices, you can elevate your own projects and bring your ideas to life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the storyboard definition and its various applications is essential for anyone involved in creative projects. Storyboards enable you to visualize your ideas, improve collaboration, and save time and resources. By following best practices such as choosing the right software, using templates, incorporating colors and textures, and reviewing and revising your work, you can create effective and engaging storyboards. By looking at real-world examples like Disney and advertising campaigns, you can see how storyboarding has been used to bring some of the most iconic and memorable stories to life. So the next time you are working on a project, remember the power of storyboarding and let it inspire you to create something amazing.

If you've enjoyed our blog on scriptwriting and want to dive deeper into the art of crafting compelling stories for the screen, don't miss Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'Scriptwriting'. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques to help you create engaging scripts that capture the essence of your story and captivate your audience.