Trainers work a lot on the flip chart and can draw on it. But what does that have to do with videos? I recently stumbled upon a fine thing that connects these two aspects – perhaps it will soon expand your training materials as well. You can create short videos with audio commentary from your drawings, flip charts, notes, or other graphics.

From Drawing to Video in 7 Steps

Step 1: Draw the Illustration

For this example video, I take a white DIN A4 sheet of paper and draw my graphic for the video on it. This image will later serve as the stage.

Here is my drawing:

At this point, you will already notice that there are practically unlimited possibilities to bring "static" training materials to life. Your imagination and creativity have no limits. For example, you can also export diagrams from PowerPoint (using the "save as image" function) or use flip chart drawings. Personally, I find the hand-drawn variant very nice, as one can incorporate their own style. As for drawing, I am unfortunately a bit out of practice ;)

Here you can see the video of the drawing with voiceover:

Step 2: Scan or Photograph

You saw in Step 1 that the drawing needs to be available digitally. For this, you can use any scanner or the camera of your smartphone. I captured the drawing shown above with my iPad and the app Scanbot (also available for Android).

Step 3: Install the Tawe App from Sparkol

You have several options to use Tawe. Either you download the app for iOS or Android. A small limitation, in the iPad/Android app you can export a maximum of 3 videos. If you want to use it on your computer, you can test the program for 7 days (see Trial).

Step 4: Import Image

Click on CREATE in the bottom left and import the image

Step 5: Define Snapshots

Next, you define your snapshots (or frames). It always refers to the current view on the screen. You zoom in and move the drawing area until you are satisfied with the excerpt. With a click, you create the snapshot and then align the drawing area for the next snapshot.

Step 6: Record Audio Commentary

Once you have defined your snapshots, you can add your audio commentary (English: voice-over) in the last step. By clicking on the microphone, you start the recording and switch by clicking between the snapshots you set earlier. When you are done, click the cross at the top right and the recording will be saved.

Step 7: Share or Export Video

Afterward, you will see a preview of the video. To proceed, click on "Publish". If you are using the iPad app, you can set the video to private on sho.co and download it after logging into the sho.co site. Sparkol also offers a 7-day trial for the programs. Your advantage is that you can export the video and send it to all video platforms or to your participants in our blink.it App. I uploaded the video to YouTube. My tip: Create three videos to get a feel for Tawe. If you like this method of video creation, gather your best flip charts from the past. Set a time frame for the drawings and start creating the video. It’s best to keep the time frame short, for example, under 4 weeks. This way, you have a definite end to the creation process and only pay for one month with Tawe. Once created, you can use the videos over and over. Tawe is not the only program to bring drawings to life. For example, Prezi is also a hot candidate. In Prezi, you can also animate your drawing areas, equip them with audio commentary, and export as a video. I am introducing you to Tawe because I really liked the workflow on the iPad. A Prezi tutorial may also be coming soon ;)

How Can You Use Images as Video Content in Your Training?

Here are a few application possibilities available to you. You can provide a photo protocol with an audio commentary. Or you create drawings related to your training content and send them to your participants in the preparation or follow-up. Another application case: You draw a mind map of your training topic. The participants watch your video on this mind map, and your explanations are thereby more comprehensible. You can even explain worksheets in this way. One advantage for you is that you only have to produce the video content once and can then reuse it.

Creating Videos Yourself - These Reasons Speak for It

In the end, it mostly comes down to the question: Do it yourself or buy? Of course, media agencies produce cool videos. However, the entry prices are not suitable for everyone. Such investments are accounted for larger e-learning providers. How can a freelance trainer proceed if they want to use more video content? Initially, it means doing it yourself. Your own video will likely not have the same polish as a video from an agency. However, if you pay attention to a few details, you can still deliver good results yourself. If your participants can see you clearly and understand you well, then you can excite your participants with your presence and your content. Just like what you already do in your live presence. And if you notice that your videos are effective, you can still invest later. The other concern is time: "This takes so long." When having a video produced, time is also spent on coordination. In doubt, it may even be an advantage for you if you can show an agency your own video and specify what you would like better or differently. That is already much more concrete than just an idea. I took about 1.5 hours for this video. That was my first attempt with the software, and I spent most of the time on drawing the illustration.

Here is the image of my first sketch, which I discarded:

I find the learning-by-doing approach to be the best way to learn and try new things. As you can see, in my first attempt, I drew the images and paths too closely together. Many of the small graphics did not work on the first try. Despite my second attempt, I quickly finished my video.

Give it a try! Show us your videos or write to us if something is holding you back.