Motion Design Style Frames Template

Motion Design Style Frames Template, within the Milanote app

Showcase your motion work with style frames

Style frames are a simple, visual representation of how the final animation will look, they're a critical step in the motion design process. The frames can be comprised of illustrations, screenshots, 3D renders, or animated GIF files.

Motion designers, animators, and creative directors use them to present options to clients and teams before they start an animation. This gives everyone an opportunity to provide feedback and agree on a visual style early in the creative process.

This template is part of our guide on How to plan a motion design project.

  • Upload images
  • Organize visually
  • Share with your team
  • Gather feedback
  • Export to PDF

How to use this template

Whether you’re a motion designer, creative director, or a client, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of presenting style frames in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Start with an empty template

The Motion Design Style Frame template contains image and text placeholders for your concept options. Just drag and drop your images onto your board, add some background notes and you'll be reading to present your style frames in minutes.

Motion design styleframes step01
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Create a new board for your storyboard.

    Create a new board

    Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

  2. Choose the Style Frames template.

    Choose a template 

    Each new board gives you the option to start with a beautiful template.

2. Upload your options

Start by uploading the concepts you've designed so you can share them with your team. These are often 2D or 3D renders of a scene from a storyboard you created earlier. It's best to present variations of the same scene side by side so your team can focus solely on the visual style rather than the contents of the scene.

Motion design styleframes step02
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Upload images from your computer.

    Upload a file or document  

    Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.

3. Explain your thinking

Next, include some written notes about each option. This will help explain your ideas and keep everything in context. You don’t have to go into too much detail—the goal is to explain the differences between the options you're presenting. Remember to give each concept a name so they're easy to reference.

Motion design styleframes step03
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Add notes to explain your thinking.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left-hand toolbar.

4. Share with your team

Now that you've prepared the options, it's time to ask for specific feedback. Share the style frames with your team and get together to choose a final direction. With any creative technique or project, it’s important to be open to constructive criticism.

Motion design styleframes guide step03
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Publish and share the brief with your team.

    Add a welcome message to your board.

    Write a welcome message under the "Publish & share" menu. This will display the first time someone views your board.

5. Choose a final direction

Ensure that everyone on your team agrees on the final direction before you start animating. It's much easier to revise the style in this phase of the project compared to production, where simple changes can take days.

Encourage others to share their feedback on color, composition, mood, and texture. Make sure you stay open to suggestions and improvements and try not to take criticism personally.

Motion design styleframes step04
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Start a conversation about the options.

    Start a comment thread

    Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.

  2. Mention teammates to get their attention.

    Mention teammates to get their attention

    Type '@' in any text field to mention someone who has access to your board. They'll receive a notification and be able to respond to your comment.

  3. Mark your favourites using reactions.

    Add emoji reactions to your content

    Select an image or note and choose "Add reaction" from the left toolbar.

You're done!

Now that your style frames are complete, you (and your team) have a clear vision for how your final animation will look!

Start your Style Frames

Communicate how your animation will look.