How to become A Storyboard Artist

From cartoons to movies to music videos, Storyboard Artists use their creativity and drawing skills to help create visual magic that perfectly complements the enchantment which is taking shape around them.

• Story Artist 
• Visualizer

What do Storyboard Artists do? 

A Storyboard Artist would typically need to:

• Use paper or computer software to turn the words in a script or concept into a visual story
• Read and interpret scripts; conduct due diligence and research for upcoming projects
• Discuss critical scenes and the expected visual design, mood and theme with the director before beginning the project-at-hand
• Sit with writers, directors animators and other relevant stakeholders to arrive at a consensus about the requisite look, style and detail for the storyboard
• Sketch panels of images to sequence the scenes from the script into storyboard format, paying attention to continuity of the storyline
• Visualise scenes from the camera person's perspective; position characters, play with angles and other elements that comprise each frame 
• Add special effects to the storyboard frames and figure out lighting specifications; articulate circles of tension within each scene
• Detail special shots or action scenes before filming begins, to avoid do-overs and budget overruns
• Make use of computer-generated film comprising rough drawings with fewer details
• Focus on clean drawings including a significant amount of detail, when a TV production or overseas production calls for them
• Update animators on key scenes within the storyboard; integrate crucial dialogue or scene directions within each frame
• Create final storyboards for production with specific directions for camera angles, character moods, dialogue indication, or wardrobe/prop requirements
• Edit, add, and eliminate storyboard scenes, wherever necessary during production
• Meet and discuss the project under production with concerned directors, clients, and creative staff
• Ask for constructive feedback to be used in making requisite changes to the storyboards
• Make room for budgetary or technical constraints; ensure all work is completed before scheduled deadlines

Storyboard Artists work on a drawing board or computer in various environments. When working alone or freelancing, you might work from home or in a personal studio or office space. 

You might have to work on-site alongside other creative team members on a project. If working with an established studio or a corporation, you might have to work in an agency or office.

Extensive travel may be part of the job description during the early stages of a project. 

Your work schedule depends on where you work and the current project. You can set your schedule as a freelancer and choose your own projects. 

However, all Storyboard Artists must maintain deadlines and often work long hours to meet those deadlines. Sometimes, you might have to work weekends or overnight to ensure that your panels are finished in time.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Storyboard Artists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Storyboard Artists are generally employed by: 

• Animation Studios 
• Education Facilities 
• Advertising Agencies 
• Film Studios 
• Graphic Design Studios
• Game Development Companies
• Television Studios 
• Publishing Companies
• Architectural Firms
• Forensic Services
• Government Agencies
• Legal Entities
• Medical & Healthcare Institutions

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Animation Guild, are crucial for Storyboard Artists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Maintaining deadlines to ensure that the rest of the production operates smoothly 
• Working under the pressure of deadlines; working long hours before deadlines 
• Being comfortable accepting criticism from clientele and other team members 
• Revising and creating drafts of panels

Work experience is vital for aspiring Storyboard Artists since it allows them to build a portfolio, expand their skill set, and develop essential connections within the industry. 

An internship/apprenticeship at an animation studio, storyboarding studio, or another relevant organisation would be an excellent way to gain a foothold in the industry.

You can also get an entry-level job or internship as a runner for an animation studio, which will allow you to understand better the role and demands of being a Storyboard Artist while building contacts in the industry.

Provided you have the requisite talent and a well-put-together portfolio, an entry-level position at a studio will allow you to hone your craft and knowledge, preparing you for more select jobs in the industry. Roles such as runner, production assistant, illustrator, background designer, or storyboard revisionist will also help jumpstart your career.

The opportunity to shadow an experienced Storyboard Artist can also be invaluable since it will allow you to differentiate between your current skill set and the one you need to acquire or improve on. It may also give you unique opportunities to network and find lucrative employment.

Most employers expect Storyboard Artists to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field even though formal education is not mandatory. Since storyboarding programs are rare, aspiring Storyboard Artists often pursue a post-secondary degree in fine arts, animation, filmmaking, game development and design, photography, illustration, and graphic design.

Storyboard Artists often attend art school and film school since their work requires knowledge of both fields. Incumbents need to have excellent drawing and illustrating skills and an understanding of filming techniques such as camera angles and different types of shots used in filmmaking.

Alternatively, if you are naturally gifted in drawing, you can study filmmaking on your own or take short courses to supplement your self-study of storyboarding.

Storyboard Artists do not require a licence or registration to work and be employable.

However, certification in filmmaking and animation software from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Experience, field-specific skills, a good work record, and an excellent portfolio makes it easy for Storyboard Artists to progress in their careers. Connections in the industry can also help open new doors. 

You can be promoted to Story Supervisor, working very closely with the director to help maintain the progress and aesthetic quality of the production.

Storyboard Artists with a good portfolio, industry experience, knowledge, and drawing skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Storyboard Artist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also enables the regular renewal of requisite certifications.

Aspiring and well-established Storyboard Artists can expand their skill set by taking animation courses (such as a 2D animation course) that will allow them to hone their drawing skills and become familiar with different artistic software.

You can also enrol in filmmaking courses to familiarise yourself with the industry, create a portfolio which showcases your work, and improve your skill set. Pursue all opportunities and activities that help expand your contact base and clientele

Discrete Career Plots

Storyboard Artists may work on diverse productions and projects, including but not limited to, advertisements, movies, music videos, cartoons, video games, and television shows.

Pitch Your Personality

As a Storyboard Artist, you often have to work with a team of people who will have definite opinions about your work; being easy to work with and being receptive to other peoples’ feedback will help establish your reputation as a team player. 

You should also take the initiative to offer constructive feedback and ideas when opportunities arise, and be meticulous about deadlines. Keeping a cool head under pressure and being respectful is also important.

Engage With Your Team

A Storyboard Artist rarely works alone and is in close and constant interaction with 

clients, producers, writers, and directors of a project, whether creative or corporate. 

In addition, you must collaborate with your peers as well as the director of photography, art director, and production and stage designer.

A Work in Progress

As a Storyboard Artist, your portfolio is one of your most significant assets. It can help jumpstart your career and help you get more projects; even if you lack experience or formal training, your portfolio can speak to your skill set and, as such, should effectively showcase your drawing abilities as well as your ability to tell stories.

To Freelance Or Work For A Studio

Freelancing Storyboard Artists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of their schedule and their clientele. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Storyboard Artist who works with a studio is more likely to have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their seniors. Yet, they may experience frustration when they have to work on projects they don’t love or lack flexibility in their schedules. However, remember that work schedule and load often depend on the individual studio.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you. You may begin your career as a freelance Storyboard Artist and then work with a studio permanently once your work is better known, or vice versa. 

By omitting the fifth finger for cartoon characters’ hands, animation studios saved millions of dollars through the time it cut down to draw characters.

The hours can be long, the work gruelling, the deadlines challenging but accomplished Storyboard Artists get to unleash and express their creativity through their art and bring joy to innumerable lives.

Get to know what motivates your characters, their flaws, and their personality. The better you know and understand the characters, the better equipped you are to draw them in an artistically plausible manner.