Digitalks #21: The Important Role of Illustrations in an Explainer Video
Exploring the major steps of creating visual assets from the perspective of an experienced illustrator.
Digitalks is a virtual brown bag meeting by Breadnbeyond’s Digital Marketing team where all valuable information, feedback, ideas, seminars, and training sessions are shared.
Along with a script and motions, illustrations are the backbone of an explainer video.
Illustrations are artistic visualizations that transform mundane explanations into compelling stories to create a lasting impact on viewers.
In our Digitalk session, the Head Illustrator of Breadnbeyond, Vicky Dwijayarto, shared the nitty-gritty details about the role of illustrations in an animated explainer video.
Vicky also elaborated on how digital illustrators develop the illustrations throughout the video production.
To give you the firsthand expertise point-of-view, we’ve summarized what Vicky has discussed in our Digitalk #21. Keep scrolling!
What is an Illustration?
To begin with, an illustration is an artistic visual representation brought to life by the creative hand of an artist.
It can be a simple drawing, a charming sketch, a colorful painting, or a captivating photograph.
In the creative industry, illustrations are tools to visualize real objects, bring imaginative worlds to life, or even trigger memories through artful pictures and designs.
In terms of animated explainer videos, illustrations are the most vital element to portray the objects and overall storyline.
The role of illustrator plays a big part in designing characters, choosing color schemes, and deciding video settings so all elements unite beautifully.
The Fundamentals of Being an Illustrator Artist
Vicky answered one of the most repeated questions about being an illustrator: Should an illustrator be skillful in drawing?
While he mentioned the ten fundamentals, drawing skills came first as one of the most vital qualities. Let’s explore more in-depth below.
Drawing Skills
Drawing skills are essential for an Illustrator artist, which includes understanding anatomy, proportions, and perspective to create accurate and expressive drawings.
Tools Knowledge
A good knowledge of tools and software (digital and traditional) is essential.
Illustrators must know how to use layers, brushes, and other features to create and manipulate illustrations in digital Illustration software.
Color Theory
This knowledge involves understanding concepts like color harmonies, contrast, and value to enhance the impact and mood of the illustrations.
Composition and Visual Storytelling
Incorporating the principles of composition and visual storytelling is key to communicating ideas and narratives through illustrations.
In this case, balance, focal points, perspective, and visual flow are crucial elements to create engaging and visually compelling artwork.
Concept Development
Conceptual thinking and idea generation are proficient for illustrators.
They must be able to interpret and translate concepts, stories, or briefs into visually engaging illustrations.
Research and References
An illustrator must be able to research and gather references related to the subject matter or project.
For example, finding inspiration and relevant information through photographs, books, movies, websites, social media, or conducting field studies.
Style Development
This quality refers to an individual unique artistic style.
To be distinguishable from others, illustrators must experience various techniques, mediums, and visual elements to find a style that resonates with one’s artistic vision and preferences.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Stay open to new techniques, tools, and industry trends.
Join workshops, online tutorials, or attend art-related events to stay relevant in the ever-evolving illustration field.
Professionalism and Communication
Excellent Interactions with clients, colleagues, and collaborators are essential to build professionalism and demonstrate good communication skills.
Passion and Persistence
Maintaining a passion for illustration and persevering through challenges is vital to show dedication and persistence in the creative industry.
Digital Illustrations in an Explainer Video
Further, Vicky elaborated on the steps of creating digital illustrations for an explainer video.
Here are the essential stages that illustrators must go through:
#1. Illustration Processes, which include:
- Exploring the idea, concept, and style
- Choosing a color palate
- Designing characters
- Deciding backgrounds and environments
- Creating props and objects
#2. Grouping Assets: Organizing and categorizing different elements to manage and control them efficiently during animation.
#3. Timing: Determining the duration of each scene or action in the animation based on the script or storyboard.
It involves assigning specific timeframes to each key event, dialogue, and action to ensure the animation flows smoothly and fits within the desired duration.
#4. Flow and Transitions: Defining the flow and transition to create cohesiveness and smoothness of the motions.
This stage ensures the animation moves logically and naturally from one scene to another, creating a seamless and engaging visual experience.
Read: Explainer Videos for Business: Do Companies Need Them?
Here’s an example of an illustration process for an animated video project in Breadnbeyond’s studio.
We make sure that all the visual elements; graphics, scenes, and animations are in sync with the script.
You can see how the illustrations come to life in the full video:
At Breadnbeyond, we help you produce a high-quality explainer video that ultimately adds a boost to your overall marketing campaign.
Check out our useful resources to hone your social media marketing skills. Or, you can subscribe here to get free e-books!
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