We’ve got an idea for a new animation for a client, so we did a quick proof of concept video for them. Rather than a traditional whiteboard animation, we wanted to draw on glass. So we took one of our picture frames off the wall and held it in clamps. Kat stood one side and we filmed through the glass.
Read about whiteboard animations benefits hereMirror image
The effect is lovely, it’s nice being able to see Kat at work, which you lose on a traditional whiteboard animation. We need to work on the background, making it darker so the ink really stands out. To allow Kat to draw the right way around, we’d need to reverse image in post at the end. Otherwise, she’d have to draw words backwards so they appeared correct from our point of view!
Kat decided to draw some mice, she’s been a bit fixated on them for a while now if you check out her Instagram account.
How to make a Traditional Whiteboard Animation
Creating a traditional whiteboard animation typically involves several key steps.
Firstly, a script is written to outline the narrative, dialogue, and key visual elements. This script serves as the blueprint for the animation, determining the flow and timing of the drawings.
Next, a storyboard is created, breaking down the script into individual scenes and illustrating how the visuals will correspond with the narrative. This helps in planning the progression of the animation and ensuring a cohesive storytelling experience.
Once the storyboard is approved, the actual animation begins. We film the illustrator physically drawing the illustrations on a whiteboard, usually in a time-lapse or stop-motion style. We do this in a studio, as you need to really control the lighting. The drawings are carefully coordinated with the script and storyboard to bring the story to life.
After the live drawing is completed, the video footage is edited, and a digital touch is added. This can include enhancing and cleaning up the visuals, adding colour, and incorporating any necessary digital effects.
Finally, the edited video is combined with appropriate background music, sound effects, and voiceover to complete the whiteboard animation, resulting in a polished and engaging final product.
