What is a Storyboard: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

Ever wondered how your favorite films, animations, and advertisements come to life? The secret lies in the power of storyboarding. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down what a storyboard is, its history, purpose, and how to create one yourself. Grab a pen and paper, and let's dive into the world of storyboarding!

What is a Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of a story, idea, or project that helps organize and convey information in an easy-to-understand manner. It consists of a series of images, known as panels, which are arranged in a specific order to depict the flow of events in a story or project. Let's explore the history of storyboarding and its purpose in more detail.

History of Storyboarding

Storyboarding dates back to the early days of animation and filmmaking. One of the pioneers of storyboarding was the legendary Walt Disney, who used this technique to plan out the scenes for his groundbreaking animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Since then, it has become an indispensable tool in various industries such as film, animation, advertising, and gaming.

Storyboard Purpose

So, what does a storyboard do? The main purpose of a storyboard is to provide a clear and concise visual guide for the production process. It helps to:

Visualize and organize ideas
Communicate the story or concept to others
Identify potential issues before production begins
Streamline the production process by providing a clear roadmap for the team

Now that we know what a storyboard is and its purpose, let's examine the key elements that make up a storyboard.

Storyboard Elements

Every storyboard is made up of a few essential elements that help to convey the story effectively. These elements include panels, scene descriptions, and dialogue and direction. Let's take a closer look at each element and how they work together to create a cohesive storyboard.

Panels

Panels are the individual images or frames that make up a storyboard. They visually represent the key moments or scenes in the story. Panels can be simple sketches or more detailed illustrations, depending on the complexity of the project and the artist's preference. The main goal of panels is to help visualize the flow of the story and set the stage for the other elements of the storyboard.

Scene Descriptions

Scene descriptions are short, written explanations of what is happening in each panel. They provide essential context and information, such as:

Location and setting
Character actions and emotions
Time of day or weather conditions
Important props or objects

Scene descriptions help to clarify the visual details in the panels and ensure that the storyboard accurately represents the intended story or concept.

Dialogue and Direction

Dialogue and direction are additional text elements that can be included in a storyboard to provide more information about the characters and their interactions. Dialogue refers to the spoken words or thoughts of the characters, while direction offers guidance on how the characters should move, react, or express themselves. Including dialogue and direction helps to bring the story to life and adds depth to the characters and their relationships.

Now that we understand the essential elements of a storyboard, let's learn how to create one from scratch.

Creating a Storyboard

Creating a storyboard can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when you see your ideas come to life. In this section, we'll explore the process of creating a storyboard, from using templates to sketching scenes and adding dialogue and directions.

Storyboard Templates

Before diving into creating a storyboard, it's helpful to start with a template. Templates provide a predefined structure and layout for your storyboard, making it easier to organize and present your visual ideas. Templates typically include:

Grids or boxes for the panels
Space for scene descriptions, dialogue, and direction
Labels or numbering for easy reference

Templates can be found online, or you can create your own using a variety of software or even just pen and paper. Choose a template that best suits your project's needs and your own personal style.

Sketching Scenes

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to start sketching your scenes. Remember, the purpose of the panels is to visualize the flow of the story, so focus on capturing the most important moments or key actions. Here are some tips to keep in mind while sketching:

Start with rough, simple drawings to establish composition and layout
Consider the point of view, camera angles, and perspective
Pay attention to character expressions and body language
Use arrows or symbols to indicate movement or changes in the scene

Don't worry if your drawings aren't perfect—storyboards are meant to be a tool for planning and communication, not a final work of art.

Adding Dialogue and Directions

Once your scenes are sketched out, it's time to add dialogue and directions to further develop your story and characters. As you write, keep these tips in mind:

Be concise and clear with your descriptions and directions
Use character names or abbreviations to distinguish who is speaking or acting
Consider the pacing and rhythm of the dialogue
Include important nonverbal cues or actions that contribute to the story

With your panels, scene descriptions, and dialogue in place, you now have a complete storyboard that brings your ideas to life and serves as a valuable tool for your project.

Digital Storyboarding Tools

While traditional paper-and-pencil storyboarding is still popular, digital tools offer a range of advantages, such as ease of editing, collaboration, and sharing. In this section, we'll introduce some popular digital storyboarding tools to help you create your storyboard with efficiency and precision.

Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is a powerful, professional-grade software designed specifically for storyboarding. With its robust set of features, it's an excellent choice for those looking to create detailed and polished storyboards. Some key features include:

Intuitive drawing tools for sketching scenes
Importing and editing scripts for easy dialogue integration
Layering options for organizing and managing your storyboard
Camera movement and animatic creation capabilities

While Toon Boom Storyboard Pro may have a steeper learning curve than other options, its feature set and flexibility make it a top choice for industry professionals.

Celtx

Celtx is an all-in-one pre-production suite that includes storyboarding tools as part of its package. It's a popular choice for filmmakers, writers, and other creatives, thanks to its user-friendly interface and collaborative features. Some highlights of Celtx's storyboarding tools include:

Drag-and-drop functionality for adding images and assets
Integration with scriptwriting and scene planning tools
Storyboard sharing and collaboration options
Customizable templates and formatting

Celtx is an excellent option for those looking for a comprehensive solution that combines scriptwriting, storyboarding, and project management in one platform.

Studio Binder

Studio Binder is another all-in-one pre-production platform that offers a simple and intuitive storyboarding tool. Its straightforward design makes it easy for beginners to create and organize their storyboards. Key features of Studio Binder's storyboarding tool include:

Customizable templates with adjustable panel sizes
Easy image import and editing options
Integration with shot lists and shooting schedules
Ability to add notes and annotations to your storyboard

Studio Binder is a great choice for those new to storyboarding or looking for a streamlined, easy-to-use tool that integrates with other pre-production tasks.

Choosing the right digital storyboarding tool depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. Each of these options offers unique features and benefits, so explore them and pick the one that best suits your project and style.

Practical Tips for Storyboarding

Creating an effective storyboard takes practice, but there are some practical tips that can help you improve your storyboarding skills. In this section, we'll share some valuable advice to help you create a storyboard that communicates your vision clearly and effectively.

Know Your Audience

When you're creating a storyboard, it's essential to keep your target audience in mind. Consider who will be viewing your storyboard—whether it's a client, a team of animators, or a film crew—and tailor your presentation to their needs and expectations. For example, if your storyboard is for a children's animated movie, make sure your visuals and dialogue are age-appropriate and engaging for young viewers.

Practice Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling is at the heart of a successful storyboard, so it's crucial to hone your skills in this area. Here are some ideas to help you practice:

Study the work of great visual storytellers, such as comic book artists or renowned film directors, to learn from their techniques.
Challenge yourself to tell a story through images alone, without relying on dialogue or text.
Experiment with different camera angles, shots, and compositions to see how they impact the mood and flow of your story.

Remember, even if you're not a skilled artist, you can still convey your ideas effectively by focusing on clear, simple visuals that communicate the essence of each scene.

Collaborate with Others

Storyboarding is often a collaborative process, so don't hesitate to seek input from others. Share your work with team members, mentors, or peers, and be open to their feedback and suggestions. Collaboration can lead to new ideas, insights, and improvements that can take your storyboard to the next level.

By following these practical tips, you'll be well on your way to creating compelling and effective storyboards that bring your stories to life. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your storyboarding skills and learn from each project you undertake.

Storyboarding in Different Industries

While storyboarding is often associated with the film and animation industries, it's a valuable tool in various professional sectors. In this section, we'll explore how storyboarding is used in different industries to develop and communicate ideas effectively.

Film and Television

Storyboarding is a vital part of the pre-production process in film and television. Directors and producers use storyboards to plan out scenes, shots, and sequences, ensuring that the final product is visually compelling and tells the story as intended. Storyboards help the entire production team, including actors, cinematographers, and set designers, understand the director's vision, making the filming process more efficient and cohesive.

Animation

Animation studios rely heavily on storyboards to plan out their projects. Whether it's a short animated film or a full-length feature, storyboards help animators visualize the story and work out details like camera angles, character movements, and scene transitions. They serve as a blueprint for the animation process, allowing the team to allocate resources efficiently and ensure that the final product is consistent and engaging.

Advertising

Advertising agencies use storyboards to develop and pitch ideas for commercials, promotional videos, and other marketing materials. A well-crafted storyboard can help clients visualize the concept and understand how the final product will look, making it easier to secure their approval and investment. In addition, storyboards help the production team plan and execute the shoot, ensuring that the advertisement effectively communicates the desired message.

Gaming

Game developers also utilize storyboards to plan and design various aspects of their projects, such as level design, cutscenes, and gameplay sequences. Storyboards can help game designers visualize the player's experience, ensuring that the game is engaging, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. They can also serve as a reference for programmers, artists, and other team members, helping to keep the project on track and cohesive.

In conclusion, storyboarding is a versatile and valuable tool across multiple industries. By understanding what a storyboard is and learning how to create one effectively, you can enhance your creative projects and improve your ability to communicate your vision to others.

If you're excited about creating your own visual stories but don't know where to start, don't miss the workshop 'How To Design Your First Visual Story' by Lily Stock. This workshop will guide you through the process of designing and telling your own unique visual story, even if you're a beginner. Dive in and unleash your creativity!