The idea of Visual Storytelling is based on applying design elements in conscious ways, so that your audience comes with you on your storytelling journey. Generally speaking, the guide for good production design and solid storyboards follows good, consistent visual storytelling choices, based on visual elements and principles.
First, analyze why you are telling this story. What is the point of this particular story? What is the climax of this story? What is the focus? What are you emphasizing? Is there a theme? Is there a main character? Is there a key moment or event? What changes as a result of leading the audience through this story?
Once you have nailed down some of these aspects of your story, use the following design elements to intensify the impact of your visuals to affect your audience. This can be everything from the design of your characters and environment to the development of your storyboards and shots.
Use contrast and affinity of some or all of the following visual elements to enhance the production design and create focal points, emphasis and so on. Please let me know if you would like to talk more about these concepts -- but in the meantime, have at your preproduction with gusto and a lot of fun!! There's always time to tweak things before you begin building.
- Line (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal)
- Tone/Value (high key, mid-range, low-key, high contrast)
- Shape (Circle, Square, Triangle)
- Space (Deep/Flat)
- Colour (use affinity/contrast of saturation, colour, and so on)
- Balance (formal, informal, unbalanced)
- Scale (affinity and contrast of scale)
- Visual Rhythm, Gestalt, Focal Point, Emphasis, and other design considerations
Recommended reading
The Visual Story by Bruce Block
Design Basics by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak (there are lots of books with this same title, but this particular publication is the recommended one)
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