How To Make A Storyboard: Simple Tips To Get Started

In this post, we'll explain what a storyboard is and what the benefits of creating one are. We'll also walk you through the process of creating a storyboard. So, if you want to know more about storyboards and how they can improve your creative projects, read on.

1. WHAT IS A STORYBOARD?

A storyboard is a series of images, with or without text, that show how a story will progress. It's often used to plan each scene before you start taking photos, filming, or creating anything.

Storyboards are a great way to organize your ideas and save time. When it's time to shoot, everyone involved in the project knows exactly what's going to happen and what they need to do.

You don't need to be good at drawing to create a storyboard. You can use stick figures, quick sketches, or even real photos to illustrate your ideas. The main goal is to clearly communicate your creative idea and keep the project on track from start to finish.

2. WHY USE A STORYBOARD

There are many benefits to making a storyboard for a creative project.

Clarity: A storyboard brings clarity to any creative project as it helps map out ideas before the project starts.

Planning: A storyboard is a great way to plan and save time as you prepare everything before the shoot starts.

Communication: A storyboard is a great tool to communicate the project plan with the team you're working with and the client you are creating this project for. It helps everyone visualize the concept.

Creative Direction: A storyboard keeps the style, mood and pacing consistent.

3. MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED

Creating a storyboard doesn't require fancy tools. Depending on how you prefer to work, you can use traditional or digital tools.

Traditional

Pen and Paper: If you're comfortable with drawing, a simple pen and paper is all you need to create a storyboard. 

Storyboard Templates: Storyboard templates have boxes where you can draw your scenes and space for notes. You can easily find printable storyboard templates online if you prefer a more organized layout. 

Digital

Apps: If you are more comfortable working on a computer, use apps like Canva, Storyboard That, Milanote, and Adobe Photoshop. Creating a digital storyboard may be faster and easier to share with your team and clients.

Photography and Screenshots: You don't always have to draw your storyboard. Instead, you can use real photos and screenshots to recreate the visual you have in mind.

Whether you're using traditional or digital tools to create your storyboard, don't forget to write down what's happening in each scene or shot, the mood or lighting, or the emotion and story you want to capture.

4. HOW TO MAKE A STORYBOARD (STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Define your goal or story

Before even starting to draw or create the storyboard itself, you need to decide the goal and story you're working on. What are you trying to do? What message do you want to send? What is the goal of the project? What is the mood, the narrative?

2. Break it into scenes or moments

Once you have a clear idea of the story, break it into scenes or moments with a beginning, middle and end. Determine the framing, camera angles or key plot point.

3. Sketch or drop in visuals

Now it's time to draw! Focus on key elements in each scene, such as composition, lighting and action, rather than focusing on perfect drawing. You can use rough sketches, reference images, or even thumbnails from previous shoots.

4. Add notes and directions

Describe what to include under each sketch, like the actions, dialogue, camera movements, and timing. Notes are important because they help clarify ideas. 

5. Review and refine

Review the storyboard as a whole and ask yourself if the story flows and if anything is missing or repetitive. Make adjustments if needed.

5. STORYBOARDING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Although storyboards are mostly used for films, they can be great and helpful for photographers, too. For example, they can be used to plan conceptual shots or personal projects. They are great for pitching ideas to clients, such as ad campaigns and editorials. Finally, they are highly recommended for photographers looking for visual consistency in series or portfolios.

6. FINAL TIPS

Storyboards can be intimidating at first, but remember that you don't need to be an artist to make effective storyboards. The goal of a storyboard is clarity, not perfection.

Storyboards are like the living guide of a creative project, so feel free to revisit it and adjust it during the shoot. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

A storyboard is a simple but effective way to plan a creative project. It can help organize ideas, save time, plan shots and stay on track throughout the project. 

For your next creative project, may it be a film, a series of paintings or a photoshoot, try creating a storyboard. You might be surprised by how much easier your project becomes.

Remember that storyboarding doesn't need to be complicated. It is only a tool to help you bring your creative vision to life.