How to Storyboard in Animation | Storyboarding in Animation
Storyboarding in animation will definitely be your way to work smarter, clearer, and even a better final product; however, it does not matter whether you want to make a simple explainer video or the whole animated feature. The content of this manual will cover the basic concepts of a storyboard, its importance, and the steps to create one that will be a great help for your animated project at every stage.
We will take a look at what a storyboard is, the reasons why it is essential, and the steps to make one that will really support your animated project throughout the whole process.
What Is a Storyboard in Animation?
In animation, a storyboard is a series of drawings arranged one after the other that depict the shots of a scene in a visual way. It is like a comic strip of your animation that shows:
- Characters
- Poses
- Camera angles
- Movements
- Dialogue cues
- Key actions
- Scene transitions
With storyboarding, an animation team can foresee how the story will be told, so they don’t have to waste time and resources on animation.
Why Storyboarding in Animation Matters?
Animation teams without a proper plan are likely to redo whole parts of the animation. That is why professional animators must go through the storyboard stage:
- Saves Time and Money
A storyboard that has been designed well avoids animation of reworking and, at the same time, assists in finding problems early.
- Unites the Creative Team
Directors, animators, writers, and designers take it as a standard visual reference.
- Enhances Storytelling
A storyboard takes care of the timing, setting, and characters’ emotions in your scenes.
- Visualizes Shot Direction
It makes clear the connection of each shot, the camera movements, and the emotional tone of each scene.
How to Storyboard in Animation: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the Script
Coming up with visuals without understanding the script’s tone, emotion, and pacing first is not a good idea. Animation storyboarding is the result of an in-depth understanding of the story. You can ask yourself the following:
- What is the message of the scene?
- What is the desired audience reaction?
- What is the plot-driving?
Step 2: Break the Script into Shots
Split the script into noticeably smaller parts or beats. A single beat captures a moment where the action, emotion, or camera direction changes. These moments will then become your storyboard frames. For example, see below a script beat breakdown:
- Character comes into the room
- Sees something odd
- Approaches
- Instantly, the object moves
- Character is startled
- Your storyboard would reflect each moment in a visual manner.
Step 3: Create Thumbnail Sketches
The thumbnail sketches are little, rough sketches that allow you to visualize the ideas in a quick way that is not detailed at all. Some of the benefits of thumbnails are:
- Other angles and compositions can be explored
- Pacing can be tested
- Scenes can be rearranged with great ease
- These sketches are basically the very first outlines of your final storyboard.
Step 4: Storyboard in Animation – Develop the Key Poses
Animation is nothing but made of key poses- the positions of the character, which are the most important and at the same time define the action. For instance:
- A character leaning forward before running
- A hand goes up just before waving
- An expression of wide-eyed astonishment just before screaming
The inclusion of key poses in your storyboard gives the animators the facility to keep character movement consistent later.
Step 5: Establish Camera Angles and Movement
The early definition of cinematography is one of the main advantages of storyboard animation in the process. Think about:
- Wide-angle shots to set the scene
- Medium shots for dialogues
- Close-ups for feelings
- Tracking shots for lively motion
- Then use arrows or notes to show:
- Camera pans
- Zooms
- Character movement
- Focus changes
Step 6: Add Timing Notes – Animation Storyboarding
Animation timing is crucial. In live-action, timing happens on set. In animation, timing is pre-planned. Add notes such as:
- “Hold 2 seconds before the reaction.”
- “Character jump lasts 12 frames.”
- “Camera pan duration: 1 second”
Precise timing ensures smooth pacing and prevents awkward cuts.
Step 7: Include Dialogue and Sound Cues
If characters are speaking or sound effects are integral to the scene, mark them on the storyboard. These notes help sound designers coordinate with animators during production. Examples:
- “(O.S.) Footsteps approaching”
- “Character whispers: We have to go…”
- “Boom sound as door slams”
Step 8: Finalize the Storyboard Panels
Once thumbnails, key poses, and timing notes are set, you can refine the visuals into cleaner panels. The goal is clarity, not perfection. Storyboards are communication tools, not finished artwork. Professional storyboard panels typically include:
- Neat sketches
- Shot numbers
- Camera notes
- Scene descriptions
- Dialogue
- Arrows for motion
Tips for Better Storyboarding in Animation
- Simpler drawings, simpler storyboarding in animation
- Silhouette shapes for the poses that are more readable
- Only add notes in the most necessary places
- Using different shot sizes is a way to get a better and faster pace
- Considerations for composition and rule of thirds
- Directors and artists must think alike
- Great boards show the ideas at once without even needing text