A common mistake is "over-rendering" panels. Storyboards are communication tools, not final illustrations.
: Keep critical action within a "safe frame" toward the center to ensure it isn't cut off by different screen aspect ratios. Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb
Good storyboarding guides the viewer’s eye exactly where it needs to go. A common mistake is "over-rendering" panels
: Instead of centering every subject, place key elements along the vertical or horizontal "third" lines to create a more dynamic and balanced composition. Good storyboarding guides the viewer’s eye exactly where
Your storyboard must function as a sequence, not just a collection of individual images. Storyboarding Tutorial - "The Do's and Don'ts" - Skwigly
: Every frame must clearly show the action, character positions, and environment. If you colored your character entirely black, you should still be able to tell what they are doing by their silhouette .
: Use foreground, middle-ground, and background layers to create a three-dimensional feel. Avoid shooting characters perfectly straight-on or in strict profile, as these angles often lack visual interest.