What do Storyboard Artists do?

A Storyboard Artist would typically need to:

• Turn the words in a screenplay or notion into a visual story using paper or computer software.
• Reading and interpreting scripts; performing due diligence and research for prospective projects
• Before commencing the project, discuss essential scenes and the intended visual design, tone, and subject with the director.
• Meet with writers, directors, animators, and other necessary stakeholders to reach an agreement on the storyboard’s required appearance, style, and detail.
• Sketch image panels to sequence the scenes from the script into storyboard format, paying regard to storyline consistency.
• Visualise scenarios from the camera’s point of view; arrange characters, and experiment with angles and other aspects that make up each frame.
• Figure out lighting specs and add special effects to the storyboard frames; articulate tension circles inside each scene.
• Plan out spectacular shots or action scenes before filming begins to avoid do-overs and financial overruns.
• Use computer-generated film with rough designs and fewer details.
• When a TV production or an offshore production requires clear drawings with a substantial quantity of detail, focus on them.
• Update animators on critical moments in the storyboard; incorporate important language or scene directions into each frame
• Create final storyboards for production that include particular camera angles, character emotions, conversation indications, and wardrobe/prop requirements.
• During production, edit, add, and remove storyboard scenes as needed.
• Meet with concerned directors, clients, and creative staff to discuss the ongoing project.
• Request constructive feedback to help you make the necessary improvements to the storyboards.
• Allow for budgetary or technological constraints; guarantee that the deadlines do all work.

Standard Work Environment

Storyboard artists work on a drawing board or on a computer in a variety of settings. When working alone or as a freelancer, you may work from home, in a personal studio, or in an office space.

You may be required to work on-site with other creative team members on a project. Working for an established studio or organisation may require working in an agency or office.

During the early stages of a project, extensive travel may be part of the job description.

Work Schedule

Your work schedule is determined by your location and the current project. As a freelancer, you can establish your own hours and choose your own assignments.

However, all Storyboard Artists must fulfil deadlines and frequently work long hours to do so. You may have to work on weekends or overnight to ensure that your panels are completed on schedule.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Storyboard artists can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, attending 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

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and associations, such as The Animation Guild, are essential for Storyboard Artists who want to further their professional growth or interact with other professionals in their sector or trade. Membership in one or more of these organisations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• 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

Suggested Work Experience

Work experience is key for prospective Storyboard Artists since it allows them to construct a portfolio, broaden their skill set, and develop important industry connections.

An internship/apprenticeship in an animation company, storyboarding studio, or other related organisation would be a great opportunity to get your foot in the door.

You can also get an entry-level position or internship as a runner for an animation company, which will help you learn the role and responsibilities of a Storyboard Artist while also allowing you to network in the industry.

Entry-level employment at a studio will allow you to refine your art and knowledge, preparing you for more select jobs in the industry if you have the necessary talent and a well-put-together portfolio. Roles like runner, production assistant, artist, backdrop designer, or storyboard revisionist will also help you get started.

Shadowing an experienced Storyboard Artist can also be quite beneficial because it allows you to distinguish between your existing skill set and the one you need to acquire or improve on. It may also provide you with unique networking chances and opportunities to acquire lucrative employment.

Recommended Qualifications

Although formal schooling is not required, most employers want Storyboard Artists to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline. Due to the scarcity of storyboarding programmes, aspiring Storyboard Artists frequently seek a post-secondary degree in fine arts, animation, filmmaking, game development and design, photography, illustration, and graphic design.

Storyboard Artists frequently attend both art school and film school since their work necessitates knowledge of both professions. Employees must be great at drawing and illustrating, as well as comprehending filmmaking techniques such as camera angles and other types of shots.

If you have a natural talent for sketching, you can learn filmmaking on your own or attend short classes to augment your self-study of storyboarding.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Storyboard To work and be employable, artists do not need a licence or registration.

Certification in filmmaking and animation software from a reputable and objective organisation, on the other hand, can help you stand out in a competitive employment market, boost your prospects of progression, and allow you to work as an independent consultant.

Projected Career Map

Storyboard Artists can advance in their careers with experience, field-specific talents, a respectable work record, and an impressive portfolio. Industry connections can also help open new opportunities.

You may be promoted to Story Supervisor, where you will work directly with the director to ensure the production’s development and aesthetic excellence.

Job Prospects

Storyboard Artists with a strong portfolio, industry experience, knowledge, and sketching abilities will have the best job opportunities.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Storyboard Artist in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also allows for the continual renewal of necessary qualifications.

Storyboard that is both ambitious and well-established Artists can broaden their skill set by enrolling in animation classes (such as a 2D animation course), which allow them to refine their drawing talents and become acquainted with various artistic software.

You can also take filmmaking classes to become more familiar with the industry, establish a portfolio of your work, and improve your skill set. Pursue any and all opportunities and activities that will help you increase your contact base and clientele.

Conclusion

The hours are tough, the labour is gruelling, and the deadlines are difficult, yet accomplished Storyboard Artists get to unleash and express their creativity via their art, bringing joy to countless people.

Advice from the Wise

Learn about your characters’ motivations, weaknesses, and personalities. The deeper you know and comprehend the characters, the better equipped you will be to design them artistically plausible.