Today’s goal
Turn one idea into three moments.
Every story has a before, a change, and an after.
You’ll plan yours with three quick drawings on paper.
3
The three beats
Every story needs a change.
- 01Beginning
Show who we’re following.
- 02Change
Something happens to them.
- 03Ending
Show what’s different now.
Three pictures is not a story on its own. The middle one has to change something.
Worked example
One small story in three frames.
- 1🙂Carrying the poster
▭A student walks toward the display wall.
- 2💨 ▱The wind grabs it
The poster blows across the courtyard.
- 3🙂🤝🙂A friend helps
Together, they hang the poster safely.
Point to the change: Which frame makes the ending different from the beginning?
Thumbnail drawing
Clarity matters more than detail.
╱│╲Simple figure
Enough to show a person and an action.
Shows movement or where the viewer should look.
Write it if you can’t draw it.
A thumbnail is a thinking sketch. Stick figures and simple shapes are enough.
Work on paper
Draw three quick thumbnails.
- 01Choose one idea.
Use yesterday’s Mandala or another approved story idea.
- 02Draw beginning, change, and ending.
Use simple figures, shapes, arrows, and labels.
- 03Make the change easy to spot.
Someone else should be able to look at it and tell you what changed.
Before you leave
Circle the frame that carries the story.
2
Pick the moment someone most needs to see.
Usually it’s the change, the biggest feeling, or the clearest action.
“Frame ___ is strongest because __________.”