Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide: Step-by-Step Beginner’s Manual

Introduction: What is a Storyboard and Why is it Important?

Are you ready to turn your ideas into stunning visuals? Whether you’re making a short film, a marketing video, or even a school project, storyboarding is the secret ingredient that separates chaos from clarity. A storyboard is like a visual map—it helps you plan each shot before you hit record.

And if you’re just starting out, the Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide is your best friend. Designed for beginners and creatives, it’s a popular step-by-step guide that shows you how to create clear, powerful storyboards with ease. In this article, we’ll walk you through the full guide, break down her method, and give you practical tips to make your storyboards stand out.

Why is the Ashley Ann Tahigan Guide So Popular?

Ashley Ann Tahigan is a well-known creative educator who has helped thousands of people learn how to storyboard effectively. Her guide is famous for being super easy to follow, even if you have zero artistic skills. It focuses on clarity, structure, and visual storytelling—three key elements that every successful storyboard must have.

If you’re searching for a complete storyboard guide, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump into the detailed process and see how Ashley’s method can bring your vision to life!

What is the Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide?

The Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide is a simplified, beginner-friendly framework for creating storyboards that work. It’s especially useful for:

• Filmmakers
• Animators
• Content creators
• Students
• Marketers

This guide covers the foundational steps of storyboarding without overwhelming you with technical terms. It teaches you how to think visually, organize your scenes, and tell a story through pictures.

What Makes It Different?

Ashley’s guide stands out because:

• It uses simple language—no jargon
• It follows a logical step-by-step system
• It helps you focus on storytelling, not just drawing
• It includes real-world examples and templates

The 6 Core Steps of the Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Method

Here’s a breakdown of the method, so you can get started right away:

1. Define Your Story’s Goal

Every story starts with a purpose. Ask yourself:

• What message are you trying to deliver?
• Who is your audience?
• What emotion do you want viewers to feel?

Ashley emphasizes defining a clear story goal before anything else. This will guide your entire storyboard.

2. Write a Brief Script or Outline

Don’t worry about making it perfect. Just write a short script or a scene breakdown. Think of it as your blueprint.

Example:

• Scene 1: A girl walks into a forest
• Scene 2: She hears a strange sound
• Scene 3: She finds a glowing object

3. Break the Script into Scenes

Now, take your script and divide it into key scenes or actions. Each scene should represent one visual idea.

This step helps you organize your thoughts before you start sketching.

4. Sketch the Frames (Stick Figures Are OK!)

You don’t need to be an artist. Ashley encourages using simple stick figures, shapes, and arrows to show:

• Character positions
• Camera angles
• Movement direction

You can use paper, apps like Storyboard That, or tools like Canva.

5. Add Notes and Directions

Under each sketch, write important notes such as:

• Camera movement (zoom, pan, tilt)
• Dialogue or sound effects
• Scene timing

This helps your storyboard make sense to others.

6. Review, Revise, and Finalize

Once you’ve sketched everything, review your storyboard:

• Does the story flow smoothly?
• Are the visuals clear?
• Can someone understand it without extra explanation?

Ashley recommends getting feedback from a friend or teammate before finalizing.

Tools Recommended by Ashley Ann Tahigan

Digital Tools

• Storyboard That – drag-and-drop storyboard builder
• Canva – easy graphic tool with templates
• Boords – professional storyboarding platform
• PowerPoint/Google Slides – quick and easy slide-based storyboarding

Physical Tools

• Pencil and paper (Ashley’s go-to for beginners)
• Storyboard templates (you can print free ones online)
• Whiteboards for group brainstorming

Tips to Make Your Storyboard More Effective

Ashley shares many creative tips to improve the quality of your storyboard, even if you’re not a skilled artist.

Use Arrows for Movement

If a character is moving or a camera is shifting, draw arrows to show motion. This makes your intent clearer.

Stick to 1 Action Per Frame

Each panel should focus on one key action or event. Don’t clutter your drawings—it confuses the viewer.

Number Your Frames

Always number your storyboard frames to keep the sequence organized.

Keep Text Short and Clear

Use short sentences or bullet points for descriptions. No one likes reading long paragraphs under a tiny sketch.

Who Should Use This Guide?

The Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide is perfect for:

• Beginners who have never storyboarded before
• Educators teaching digital storytelling
• YouTubers and TikTokers planning content
• Marketing teams scripting product videos
• Students working on video or animation projects

It’s a flexible method that adapts to your skill level and goals.

How This Guide Helps You Rank Your Content

Interestingly, Ashley’s method also helps content creators and marketers plan their visuals more effectively. Whether you’re making a YouTube video or an Instagram Reel, storyboarding can:

• Save time during production
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Improve engagement
• Ensure clear messaging

If you’re aiming for high-ranking visual content, this guide is a powerful planning tool.

Conclusion: Why the Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide is Worth Using

Creating a storyboard might seem like extra work, but it actually makes the entire creative process easier. With the Ashley Ann Tahigan Storyboard Guide, you get a no-fuss system that works for beginners, students, and pros alike.

Her guide teaches you not just how to draw, but how to think visually—a critical skill in today’s content-driven world. Whether you’re making a film, ad, or YouTube video, this guide gives you structure, clarity, and direction.

Final Thoughts

Storyboards turn your ideas into a clear visual plan. They help you communicate better, save time, and tell better stories. With Ashley’s approach, you’ll learn to storyboard like a pro, no matter your skill level.

So grab a pen (or open your laptop), and start sketching your vision today.

FAQ’s

Q1: Who is Ashley Ann Tahigan?

Ashley Ann Tahigan is a digital media educator known for simplifying complex creative processes. Her storyboard guide is widely used in classrooms, creative agencies, and film schools.

Q2: Do I need to be good at drawing to use this guide?

No! Ashley’s method encourages using basic shapes and stick figures. The focus is on planning, not artistic perfection.

Q3: Is this guide only for video creators?

Not at all. It’s useful for teachers, marketers, app developers, and anyone who needs to visualize a process or story.

Q4: Can I use software instead of paper?

Yes! Digital tools like Storyboard That, Canva, and Boords make it easy to create and share storyboards online.

Q5: Where can I find storyboard templates?

You can find free templates on sites like Canva, Pinterest, or educational websites. Ashley also provides her own printable sheets in her classes and workshops.