In the universe of motion graphics, picture storytelling reigns supreme. Be it an ad, explainer video, or a short, crafting an animated storyboard is foundational to building a captivating, visually seamless narrative. Storyboards act as graphic outline diagrams for your motion graphics. They provide a springboard for the creative as well as coordination of the work within the graphics. But what are the means of conveying your story using motion graphics? In this article, we will consider how to make a motion graphic, what tools to use, what software to use and what steps should be followed for optimal outcomes.
What Is an Animated Storyboard?
An animated storyboard refers to a set of drawings or illustrations depicting the major scenes and movements of a particular motion graphic. It is, in fact, a motion picture suturing script which demonstrates how the story progresses, step by step. Different elements of your design can be moved or interacted with and this can be shown using primitive animations, illustrations, or even static images. For animators, directors and any other professionals involved with the project, an accurately detailed animated storyboard will definitely aid them.
Why Create a Motion Graphic Storyboard?
Storyboarding for motion graphics offers several key advantages:
Visualizing the Flow: It allows you to visualize the flow of the animation, ensuring all elements are logically and aesthetically positioned.
Collaboration: It serves as a communication tool that helps your team understand the creative direction, visual style, and pacing of the animation.
Planning Transitions: Storyboarding ensures smooth transitions between scenes and elements, allowing for better coordination between design, animation, and sound.
Identifying Potential Problems: Early visualization of the animation helps pinpoint potential design or technical issues before production begins.
Team reviews motion graphic storyboard sketches in a creative planning meeting.
Steps to Create an Animated Storyboard for Motion Graphics
Creating an animated storyboard requires both artistic skills and technical understanding. Follow these steps to bring your motion graphics ideas to life.
Step 1: Develop a Script or Concept
It is critical to have a clear script or a defined concept before commencing storyboarding. The script describes the particular flow of the narrative, the major action points within it, and the emotions which are to be expressed in the motion graphic. Whether it is a brand animation or an explainer video, a script is needed beforehand in order to create a proper storyboard.
Ask yourself:
What’s the purpose of this motion graphic? (e.g., to inform, entertain, or persuade)
What is the core message?
Who is the target audience?
How long will the animation be?
These questions will help clarify the narrative and ensure that the storyboard stays aligned with your overall goal.
Step 2: Break the Script Into Key Scenes
After finalizing your script, the subsequent stage is to outline particular scenes or moments that require visualization. These scenes will form individual frames on your storyboard. Imagine every frame as a representation of a specific moment in history; this aids the audience in grasping the animation's chronology.
For example:
Scene 1: Introduce the characters or setting.
Scene 2: Show action or key event.
Scene 3: Present the climax or critical turning point.
Scene 4: Resolve the story and end with a call to action.
This breakdown will help you structure the flow of the animation and ensure each scene serves a clear purpose.
Step 3: Choose Film Storyboard Software
To create your storyboard digitally, it’s essential to choose the right film storyboard software. There are numerous tools available that make it easier to craft detailed, professional storyboards. Some of the most popular storyboard software options include:
Story-boards ai: This web-based software allows you to create storyboards, export them into PDFs, and collaborate with your team in real time. It’s specifically designed for motion graphics, making it an excellent choice for creating your animated storyboards.
Storyboard Pro: A powerful tool for professional animators, Storyboard Pro combines drawing and animation features, making it ideal for motion graphics projects.
FrameForge: Known for its high-quality pre-visualization tools, FrameForge is excellent for more complex motion graphics animations.
Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator: While not traditionally storyboard software, these creative tools can also be used to create detailed frames for your motion graphic storyboard.
Person working on film storyboard using software across three monitors in a studio setup.
Step 4: Sketch Keyframes
Using your film storyboard software, start sketching the keyframes that will represent each scene or major action in your animation. These keyframes don’t need to be highly detailed – they just need to give a sense of the composition, movement, and timing.
Focus on the following elements:
Characters or objects: Where are they positioned in the frame?
Movement: How will the characters or objects move?
Background: What is the setting or environment in which the animation takes place?
The goal here is to map out the visuals without worrying too much about perfection. This is just the initial draft of your motion graphic’s visual flow.
Step 5: Add Motion and Timing
The movement feature is one of the most distinguishing features of an animated storyboard. After outlining the fundamental sketches, it is time to consider how to move each component. This is the stage where motion is added to the storyboard.
Appropriate arrows can be added to specify motion or direction. Some storyboard programs let you animate the keyframes which allows the motion of elements to be depicted right in the storyboard. The animation sequencing allows you to set the duration for each action by specifying how long a frame is displayed, when it is shown, or when transitions happen.
Step 6: Include Sound and Effects
The integral parts of sound within a motion graphic piece equally affect the parts of the storyboard. It is as much as important to include voiceovers, sound effects and music pieces as it is to plan them. Either include voice files next to each frame or place sound files externally.
Planning sound elements lets other designers have an understanding of rhythm and tempo for the animation. The decision of timing will affect the suspension levels of the sound effects versus the animations.
Step 7: Refine and Review
Once you’ve created your initial storyboard, it’s time to review and refine it. Share it with your team, including designers, animators, and even clients if applicable. Feedback from different perspectives can help identify areas for improvement, such as pacing issues, unclear transitions, or animation flow.
At this stage, you may also want to test the storyboard with a sample animation or a draft scene. This will help ensure that the transitions work as expected and that the motion graphics are engaging.
Step 8: Finalize the Storyboard
After making necessary adjustments, finalize your storyboard. Ensure all frames are in order and that the animation’s flow is easy to follow. If your project requires it, you may also want to export your storyboard into a presentable format, such as a PDF or video.
Tips for a Great Animated Storyboard
Keep it Simple: Focus on the key elements of the animation, like the characters’ movements and the overall flow. You don’t need intricate details at this stage.
Consistency is Key: Ensure that the visual style remains consistent throughout the storyboard.
Use Annotations: Add notes and annotations to explain movements, timing, or transitions.
Be Ready for Revisions: A storyboard is a draft, and you’ll likely need to revise it as the project develops.
How Do You Make Motion Graphics?
Creating motion graphics involves several steps:
Concept and Script: Like storyboarding, it begins with a strong concept and script.
Design: Once you have the concept, the design phase includes creating the assets (characters, logos, backgrounds, etc.).
Animation: Using software like Adobe After Effects or Blender, you animate the designs according to the storyboard.
Post-Production: Add sound, special effects, and fine-tune the animation.
Conclusion
Making an animated storyboard for motion graphics is crucial in the animation workflow. Following a systematic process, from script breakdown to selecting appropriate film storyboard software, guarantees a streamlined production pipeline and a polished end result. From novices to experts, the illustration of storyboards aids professionals to give defined direction and intention to their motion graphics. Therefore, the next time you are tackling a motion graphics assignment, keep these guidelines in mind to craft a motion graphic that conveys your message beautifully.
