What techniques can you use to create animated stories that resonate with a global audience?

1 Know your audience

Before you start your animation project, you need to have a clear idea of who your target audience is and what they care about. Research their demographics, psychographics, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your story to their needs, interests, and emotions. You can also use tools like personas, user journeys, and empathy maps to understand your audience better.

2 Choose a relatable theme

A theme is the central message or idea that your story conveys. It can be expressed as a universal statement, such as "love conquers all" or "courage is not the absence of fear". A theme can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, regardless of their background or location. To choose a relatable theme, think about what you want your audience to feel, learn, or do after watching your animation. Then, brainstorm some possible themes that match your goal and test them with your audience.

3 Use visual storytelling

Visual storytelling is the art of utilizing visuals, such as images, colors, shapes, movements, and sounds to tell a story. This technique can be beneficial in overcoming language barriers, simplifying complex concepts, and leaving a lasting impression. To use visual storytelling effectively, one must adhere to certain principles. Showing rather than telling is key; use visual cues and actions to demonstrate the characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions. Additionally, contrast and harmony should be used to create tension and balance in the scenes. Lastly, the rule of thirds should be applied by dividing the frame into three horizontal and vertical sections to create dynamic and balanced compositions.

4 Create memorable characters

Characters are the heart of your story; they drive the plot, face the challenges, and evoke the emotions. To create memorable characters, you need to give them distinct personality traits, quirks, and flaws that make them unique and believable. It's also important to provide a clear goal or desire that motivates them to act and overcome obstacles. Additionally, you should give your characters a change or growth that occurs as a result of their experiences and choices.

5 Use humor and emotion

Humor and emotion can help you engage and delight your audience in powerful ways. Timing is key when using humor and emotion to maximize their impact and avoid disrupting the flow of your story. Additionally, the tone and genre of your story should be taken into consideration when using humor and emotion. For instance, if your story is a comedy, use light-hearted and witty humor. Conversely, if it's a drama, intense and dramatic emotion should be used. Moreover, be mindful of the culture and context of your audience when using humor and emotion to ensure that they are appropriate and respectful.

6 Test and iterate

The final technique to create animated stories that resonate with a global audience is to test and iterate your story. This involves collecting feedback from your audience and using it to improve the story. You can test and iterate your story at different stages, such as concept, prototype, and final. By testing the theme, plot, characters, storyboard, animatic, or prototype, you can ensure they are clear, relevant, engaging, coherent, consistent, satisfying, impactful, and memorable. Doing so will help you craft an animation that resonates with your audience.