Create a storyboard for one scene of an animation
Draw a storyboard for one animation scene by sketching key frames, adding arrows, notes, dialogue, and timing to plan motion and camera moves.
About this activity
Draw a storyboard for one animation scene by sketching key frames, adding arrows, notes, dialogue, and timing to plan motion and camera moves.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one short moment from an animation idea and write one sentence about what happens in that scene.
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Step 2
Use your ruler to draw a panel grid on your paper with 4 to 6 empty boxes for each key frame.
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Step 3
Write the scene title and a shot number at the top of the page so you know what this storyboard is for.
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Step 4
Sketch the main poses for the scene by drawing 4 to 6 key frames, one pose per panel.
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Step 5
Draw arrows in each panel to show how characters or objects move between the poses.
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Step 6
Write short camera instructions under panels like "PAN LEFT" or "ZOOM IN" to show camera moves.
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Step 7
Add timing numbers under each panel such as “0.5s” or frame counts to plan how long each shot lasts.
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Step 8
Write any dialogue or sound effects in speech bubbles or below the panels so you know what is heard.
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Step 9
Use sticky notes to jot short notes about facial expressions or important details and stick them near the panels.
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Step 10
Color key parts of each panel with your coloring materials to make characters and important objects stand out.
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Step 11
Flip through the panels with your finger to see the action flow and watch the movement in order.
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Step 12
Erase and redraw any panel that feels confusing or slows the action until the sequence reads clearly.
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Step 13
Share your finished storyboard on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I create a storyboard for one animation scene?
Start by writing a one-sentence summary of the scene. Divide it into 4–8 key frames and sketch each in boxes, showing the main poses and expressions. Add arrows to indicate motion, small camera symbols for pans/zooms, and short notes for action and dialogue under each panel. Estimate timing for each frame (e.g., 1–3 seconds) and number panels. Finally flip the pages or record a quick animatic on a phone to check pacing and adjust.
What materials do I need to draw a storyboard for an animation scene?
You’ll need paper or printable storyboard templates, pencils and an eraser, a black pen for final lines, and colored pencils or markers to show motion and camera moves. Sticky notes or index cards help rearrange frames. A ruler is useful for neat panels. Optional: a smartphone or tablet to record a simple animatic and a drawing tablet or app if you prefer digital sketching.
What ages is drawing a storyboard for one animation scene suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: ages 6–8 can do simple stick-figure storyboards with adult help, focusing on clear actions and dialogue. Ages 9–12 can plan key frames, arrows, and basic timing almost independently. Teens (13+) can explore camera moves, composition, and create animatics. Adjust complexity, supervise device use, and encourage collaboration for younger children to keep it age-appropriate and fun.
What are the benefits of making a storyboard for an animation scene?
Storyboarding strengthens storytelling, sequencing, and planning skills while teaching kids about motion, timing, and camera composition. It develops visual thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication through sketches and notes. Making a simple animatic lets children test pacing and boosts confidence and problem-solving. It’s low-cost, supports writing (dialogue/notes), and creates a solid foundation for moving into digital animation later.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a ruler, sticky notes, or coloring markers?
Use a straight edge like a credit card or cereal box edge instead of a ruler, small squares of scrap paper or tape labels in place of sticky notes, and colored pencils or crayons instead of markers to color key parts.
My scene looks confusing when I flip through the panels — how can I fix it?
Lightly sketch the main poses with pencil, draw clear movement arrows in each panel, add short timing numbers under panels, and erase and redraw any panel that feels confusing until the flip-through reads smoothly.
How should I change this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids use fewer, larger panels (2–3), help write the scene title/shot number and use stickers for expressions, while older kids can add 4–6 detailed key frames, precise frame counts, and camera instructions like PAN LEFT or ZOOM IN.
How can we extend or personalize the storyboard to make it more creative or turn it into an animation?
Color key parts, add dialogue and exact timing numbers, take photos of each panel to create a stop-motion or digital sequence, and then share the finished storyboard on DIY.org.