We are often asked about the workflow of creating an animated video and the various stages involved One of the first stages in any project, following the initial research stage, is creating a series of storyboard phases that allow us to map out the narrative and plan the visuals of each shot.
We start with thumbnails, so called because each drawing is roughly the size of a thumbnail. These quick and small drawings allow the artist to focus on the composition and layout of a shot along with the flow of the narrative, without giving too much attention to the detail.
Several thumbnail boards may be sketched out, each taking a different approach.
Then the real storyboards are created; these will show in detail what happens in each shot of the animation and use neater line work.
We use red to indicate actions and camera moves within panels.
Storyboards are an invaluable tool when creating animation. They allow the team to accurately map out the story of an animation and communicate ideas with each other as well as clients.
On a typical project there will be several iterations of a storyboard through which ideas maybe changed, or new panels added/ removed . They are easily edited to implement new ideas and will usually give an idea of the different sets and characters that will be involved.
