Drawing Concepts for Storyboarding - Section 2

Gesture

The “feeling” and “verb” of the pose, as opposed to its
anatomical characteristics. A loose and expressive drawing. Often used during the thumbnail and rough phases of storyboarding.

Tangents

When two lines intersect or overlap, causing the drawing
to flatten. These lines make unclear which object is in front of the other.

Pencil mileage

Drawing a lot to get yourself comfortable with
making simple shapes and building blocks.

On model

A clean-up drawing that is proportionate and clear, and
accurately comes across as the character. These drawings are relative to every production and show style. Sitcoms tend towards very clean, while feature tends to be looser.

Thumbnail

The initial pass at a scene by the storyboard artist. Tends to be loose stick figures, as it will go through many changes and notes. Shot and story choices are the most important part of this phase.

Roughs

Cleaner and more proportional drawings after thumbnail
notes. Acting is fleshed out. Drawings can remain gestural.

Clean or Tied Down

On Model drawings ready to be shipped. Final notes are addressed.

Silhouette value

How well the pose reads without any interior detail. Helps to create clarity in acting and staging.

Grids

Underlay to shorthand the perspective and angle in the shot. Helps place characters and objects in space.

Hook-Ups 

Poses added to make sure characters’ continuity is maintained when the shot cuts.

Shorthand 

Personal style to convey the character quickly, but still on-model

Punch - up 

Acting pass, usually by a revisionist, to make sure the acting is improved and the jokes read to the audience.

Line of action

A tool to help when drawing gesture. By following one flow of motion, the pose becomes clearer