How can you make your storyboard and script stand out in 2D animation?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start sketching or typing, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your 2D animation. What is the main message or theme you want to communicate? Who is your target audience and what are their needs and expectations? How do you want them to feel or react after watching your animation? Having a well-defined purpose will help you focus your storyboard and script on the most relevant and impactful elements of your story.

2 Experiment with different formats

2D animation is not limited to one style or genre. You can explore different formats and techniques to suit your purpose and audience. For example, you can use motion graphics, cut-out animation, stop-motion, or rotoscoping to create different visual effects and moods. You can also mix and match different types of media, such as photos, drawings, text, or sound, to create contrast and variety. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats and see what works best for your storyboard and script.

3 Use the power of visual storytelling

One of the advantages of 2D animation is that you can use visual elements to enhance your storytelling and convey more information and emotion than words alone. For example, you can use color, shape, size, movement, and perspective to create mood, atmosphere, tension, or humor. You can also use symbols, metaphors, or references to convey deeper meanings or messages. When creating your storyboard and script, think about how you can use visual storytelling to support and enrich your narrative.

4 Make your characters memorable

Characters are the heart and soul of any story, and 2D animation is no exception. You want your characters to be memorable, relatable, and engaging for your audience. To achieve this, you need to give them distinctive personalities, appearances, voices, and motivations. You also need to make them face challenges, conflicts, or dilemmas that test their values, beliefs, or goals. When creating your storyboard and script, think about how you can make your characters stand out and grow throughout your story.

5 Add some humor and surprise

Humor and surprise are two powerful tools to make your storyboard and script stand out in 2D animation. Humor can make your audience laugh, relax, or connect with your characters and message. Surprise can make your audience curious, intrigued, or shocked by your story. You can use humor and surprise in various ways, such as jokes, puns, irony, twists, or subversions. When creating your storyboard and script, think about how you can add some humor and surprise to spice up your story and keep your audience interested.

6 Get feedback and revise

No matter how creative or innovative your storyboard and script are, they can always be improved with feedback and revision. Feedback can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your storyboard and script, as well as the areas that need more clarity, coherence, or polish. Revision can help you refine your storyboard and script, as well as fix any errors, gaps, or inconsistencies. When creating your storyboard and script, seek feedback from different sources, such as peers, mentors, or experts, and revise your work accordingly.

7 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?