What are the best strategies for creating storyboards that align with your animation's target audience?

1 Know your audience

Before you start sketching, you need to have a clear idea of who your animation is for, what they want to see, and how they will react to your story. Research your audience's demographics, preferences, emotions, and challenges, and use that information to guide your storyboard decisions. For example, if your audience is children, you might want to use bright colors, simple shapes, and humorous expressions. If your audience is adults, you might want to use more realistic details, complex themes, and subtle cues.

2 Define your goal

Your storyboard should also reflect the purpose and message of your animation. What do you want your audience to learn, feel, or do after watching your animation? How do you want to engage their attention, curiosity, and empathy? Define your goal and use it as a filter for your storyboard choices. For example, if your goal is to educate your audience, you might want to use clear explanations, visual aids, and examples. If your goal is to entertain your audience, you might want to use surprises, twists, and jokes.

3 Choose your style

The style of your storyboard should match the tone and mood of your animation, as well as the expectations of your audience. Do you want your animation to be realistic, stylized, or abstract? Do you want it to be serious, funny, or emotional? Choose a style that suits your story and your audience, and use it consistently throughout your storyboard. For example, if your style is realistic, you might want to use accurate proportions, perspectives, and shadows. If your style is stylized, you might want to use exaggerated features, expressions, and movements.

4 Use visual language

Your storyboard should communicate your animation ideas using visual language, such as shapes, colors, lines, and symbols. Visual language can help you convey the emotions, actions, and meanings of your story, as well as create contrast, harmony, and emphasis. Use visual language to enhance your storyboard and make it easier for your audience to understand and appreciate your animation. For example, if you want to show tension, you might want to use sharp angles, dark colors, and thick lines. If you want to show calmness, you might want to use smooth curves, light colors, and thin lines.

5 Test your storyboard

The best way to know if your storyboard aligns with your animation's target audience is to test it with them. Show your storyboard to a sample of your audience and ask for their feedback. Do they get the main idea of your animation? Do they feel the emotions you want them to feel? Do they have any questions or suggestions? Use their feedback to improve your storyboard and make it more aligned with your audience's needs and expectations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?