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 neat thing that connects these two aspects – maybe 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.

In 7 Steps from Drawing to Video

Step 1: Draw the picture

For this example video, I take a white 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 know no bounds. 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 your own style can be incorporated. Unfortunately, when it comes to drawing, I’m a bit out of practice ;)

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

Step 2: Scan or Photograph

You have already seen in Step 1 that the drawing must be available digitally. You can use any scanner or the camera of your smartphone for this. 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 at the bottom left and import the image

Step 5: Define Snapshots

Next, you define your snapshots (or frames). These always represent the current view on the screen. You zoom in and move the drawing area until you are satisfied with the cut. 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 set 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 between the snapshots you previously set with a click. When you're done, click the cross at the top right, and the recording will be saved.

Step 7: Share or Export Video

Then you will see a preview of the video. To continue, click on "Publish". If you are using the iPad app, you can set the video to private on sho.co and also download it after registering on the sho.co site. Sparkol also offers a 7-day trial period for the programs. The advantage for you 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 your video. It's best to keep the time frame short, for example, under 4 weeks. That way, you have a concrete end date for creation and only pay for one month with Tawe. Once created, you can use the videos again and again. Tawe is not the only program to bring drawings to life. For example, Prezi is also a hot candidate. With Prezi, you can also animate your drawing areas, equip them with audio commentary, and export them as videos. I present Tawe to you because I really liked the workflow on the iPad. A Prezi tutorial might come soon too ;)

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

Here you have several application possibilities available. You can provide a photo protocol with an audio commentary. Or you create drawings related to your training content and send these to your participants during the preparation or follow-up. Another use case: You draw a mind map of your training topic. Participants watch your video on this mind map, and your explanations become easier to understand this way. You can also explain worksheets this way. An advantage for you is that you only have to produce the video content once and can use it repeatedly thereafter.

Creating Videos Yourself - These Reasons Speak For It

In the end, it usually 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 factored into larger e-learning providers. How can a freelance trainer proceed who wants to use more video content? In the first step, that means doing it yourself. Your own video will probably 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, you can impress them with your presence and content. Just like you already do in your live presence. And if you notice that your videos are fruitful, you can still invest later. The other objection relates to time: "But that takes so long." If you have a video produced, coordinating also takes time. In doubt, it can even be an advantage for you if you can show an agency your own video and say what you would like to improve or change. That is already much more concrete than just an idea. I needed about 1.5 hours for the video. That was my first attempt with the software, and I spent most of the time drawing the drawing.

Here is the picture of my first sketch that I discarded:

I find the learning-by-doing approach the best way to learn and try new things. As you can see, in my first attempt, I painted the images and paths much too closely together. Many of the small graphics didn’t work out the first time. Even with a second attempt, I finished my video very quickly.

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