Generate an animation storyboard and character designs

  • 15 minutes

Objective:

Use Microsoft Copilot to create a storyboard for a short animated sequence, then use Microsoft Designer to generate character designs that match the tone and visual style of your storyboard.

Materials needed

Part 1: Create a storyboard using Microsoft Copilot

  1. Open Copilot in Microsoft Edge

    • Launch Copilot from your browser window.

  2. Write your storyboard prompt

    • Example:
      "Create a storyboard for an animated short set in a futuristic city. Include 5–6 scenes with visual descriptions and suggested camera angles."

  3. Refine your storyboard

    • Use follow-up prompts to shape the flow or tone:
      • "Add more tension in the middle scene."
      • "Make the story feel more whimsical."
      • "Include a montage in the opening."

  4. Review and share with a peer

    • Discuss the narrative flow, clarity of visuals, and scene structure.
    • Suggest any changes to pacing, transitions, or framing.

Part 2: Design characters with Microsoft Designer

  1. Pull style and tone from your storyboard

    • Identify the setting (e.g., cyberpunk, noir, pastel sci-fi)
    • Note key character traits—attitude, role, or emotions to reflect in the design

  2. Generate a character concept

    • Use a prompt in Designer like:
      "Create a character design for a street-smart teen protagonist in a neon-lit futuristic city. Use a bold color palette and show a dynamic pose."

  3. Explore variations

    • Try different versions by adjusting the tone or style:
      • "Soft and dreamy"
      • "Gritty and angular"
      • "Retro-futuristic"
    • Pick your favorite and note what makes it work visually.

  4. Share and discuss

    • Show your designs to peers. Talk about how they align with your storyboard.
    • Reflect on what surprised you about the AI output and how you might adjust your prompts in the future.

Expected outcome

By the end of the activity, you create a basic storyboard and a matching character design using AI tools. Your final visuals represent the narrative and tone of a short animation. This activity shows how Copilot and Designer work together to help you plan and visualize early-stage animation ideas.