I realized I'd been too stuck in the idea of visual concepting and not in visual storytelling, so I built a template based on loose memories of Miyazaki's storyboard books. Four frames on the left with space for notes on the right. Began sketching out ideas as they came rather than planning things. I needed the freedom to let ideas flow to just jot down notes. Only drawing and writing down what was essential to communicate the idea.

I have been experimenting with only building out what is needed, rather than trying to plan too much ahead. It seems to be more effective than trying to predict the best way to do things. Most things can be edited, and this way removes busy work since everything created solves an active problem.

Resources

Some reference sites for film stills

• shotdeck.com
• Filmgrab.com
• Shot.cafe (untested)