A Very Brief History of Storyboards
Depending on the source, either Howard Hughes, with the 1930 film, Hell’s Angels, or Walt Disney, with the 1933 animated film, Three Little Pigs, is cited as the father of modern day storyboards. In 1939, Gone with the Wind was the first live-action movie to be completely drawn out on storyboards.
Over the last 80+ years, the use of storyboards has grown. Following the roots of animation and movie-making, storyboards are used by ad agencies for commercials, directors for plays, and artists for comics. Storyboards have also found their way into the business world for modeling how customers will interact with new products.
Storyboards are a powerful way to visually present information. At their core, storyboards are a set of sequential drawings to tell a story. By breaking a story into linear, bite-sized chunks, it allows the author to focus on each cell separately, without distraction. For the audience, it allows a tremendous amount of visual context to be absorbed in a fun and engaging way.
How Can I Use Storyboards for Visual Storytelling?
Creating a good storyboard is about telling a good story. Humans are natural storytellers, and love to tell and be told stories. There are many steps in the writing process that can benefit from storyboarding. Even a picture itself can tell a story, regardless of whether there's a speech bubble. How can you use the visual part of visual storytelling to your advantage? Take a look at a few ideas for visual storytelling and some video storyboard examples. What story ideas can you come up with?
Make a Short Film/Script
The ultimate in visual storytelling is a film or movie. Storyboards were first used for this purpose and work just as well (if not better) than they did in the 1930s. To get started, break down your story into a set of discrete scenes; each scene will become its own storyboard. Next, choose a scene and start to lay down the context:
- Where does the scene take place?
- Who is in the scene?
- What do the characters say?
- How do they react?
- What happens next?
After you create a number of storyboards, print them out and arrange them on a large wall. This will allow you to visually see the entire flow of the story and make adjustments. It is natural to re-write scenes, change the order, add more, and delete some. For more information about making a storyboard for film, check out our Film Overview!
Create a Comic
Creating a comic is a great way to visually tell a story, and to show off your skills as an artist and author. When creating a comic, there are a lot of questions the creator needs to answer:
- Is this funny? Satirical? Serious?
- Is the comic part of a series, or one-off?
- Who are the characters?
- What do they say?
Using a storyboard lets you rapidly and easily experiment with a number of choices until you figure out what feels natural and right for you needs.
Story Ideas via Juxtaposition
Sometimes we all need a little bit of inspiration, or a break from whatever we are doing. While hearing a good story may make you happy, seeing or creating an incomplete story can inspire you. The "Juxtaposition" storyboard was quickly assembled with a minimal amount of content. By leaving the background unfinished, it invites conversation and many new story ideas for digital storytelling.
- What is the witch thinking? The man?
- What would you put on the table? A drink? A newspaper? A cauldron?
- Who would open up the dialogue, what would they say?
- What does the outside of the building look like?
Creating a few cells with random characters, scenes, and objects will get you thinking and may make you smile at the same time!
Now Get Started!
Start storyboarding today! Go create your own storyboard and dive into the world of digital and visual storytelling!
How to Assess Storytelling Skills Through Storyboards
Define Assessment Criteria
Clearly define the assessment criteria for storytelling skills through storyboards, considering elements such as story structure, character development, use of visual elements, creativity, and coherence.
Provide Clear Guidelines and Expectations
Provide students with clear guidelines and expectations for creating storyboards, including the required number of panels, the use of dialogue or narration, and any specific criteria related to the storytelling task.
Assess Story Structure and Plot Development
Evaluate the story structure and plot development in the storyboard, looking for a clear beginning, middle, and end. Assess the coherence of the story, including how well the events and actions flow and whether there is a logical progression of the narrative.
Evaluate Character Development
Assess the depth and development of the characters depicted in the storyboard, including their personalities, motivations, and interactions. Look for evidence of well-defined characters with believable emotions and actions.
Analyze Use of Visual Elements
Evaluate how effectively the student has used visual elements to enhance the storytelling, including the setting, props, facial expressions, and body language. Look for creativity and attention to detail in the visual representation of the story.
Consider Creativity and Originality
Assess the level of creativity and originality demonstrated in the storyboard, looking for unique approaches to storytelling, inventive use of visuals, and innovative narrative choices.
Bonus Step: Provide Constructive Feedback
Offer constructive feedback to students, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement based on the assessment criteria. Encourage students to reflect on their work and provide opportunities for them to revise and refine their storyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Storytelling With Storyboards
What is the value of using storyboards in the classroom for visual storytelling?
Using storyboards in the classroom can be a valuable tool for visual storytelling, as it allows students to plan out and visualize the structure and content of their stories before they begin creating them. Storyboards can help students to think critically about the elements of a story, such as plot, character, setting, and theme, and can encourage them to experiment with different visual approaches to convey their ideas effectively.
What skills do students develop through visual storytelling with storyboards?
Through visual storytelling with storyboards, students can develop a range of skills, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. They can also develop technical skills related to visual design and storyboarding software, as well as gain experience working in teams and presenting their work to an audience.
How can teachers use storyboard-related worksheets in the classroom?
Teachers can use storyboard-related worksheets in the classroom to guide students through the process of planning out and creating their visual storytelling projects. These worksheets can include prompts and questions that help students to think critically about the key elements of their stories and can provide a framework for organizing their ideas and sketches.
What are some common challenges that students may face when creating visual storytelling projects with storyboards?
Some common challenges that students may face when creating visual storytelling projects with storyboards include developing a clear and compelling story, choosing appropriate visual elements to convey meaning, and learning how to use storyboarding software effectively. Students may also struggle with collaboration and communication when working in teams and may need guidance and support from teachers or parents to overcome these challenges.
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