Types of Storyboard Artist Jobs
Storyboard Artist for Animation
A Storyboard Artist for Animation specializes in creating visual storyboards for animated films, TV shows, or web series. They work closely with directors and animators to translate scripts into visual sequences. Their work helps define the pacing, camera angles, and character actions. They often use both traditional drawing and digital tools. This role is crucial in pre-visualizing the entire animation before production begins.
Live-Action Storyboard Artist
Live-Action Storyboard Artists focus on films, commercials, or TV shows that use real actors and sets. They help directors and cinematographers plan shots, camera movements, and scene transitions. Their storyboards serve as a blueprint for the production team. They must understand live-action filming techniques and collaborate with various departments. This role is essential for complex scenes, stunts, or visual effects.
Advertising Storyboard Artist
Advertising Storyboard Artists create storyboards for commercials and marketing campaigns. They work with creative directors and clients to visualize concepts and pitches. Their boards help communicate ideas to clients and production teams. They often work under tight deadlines and must adapt to different styles. This role requires strong communication and quick visualization skills.
Game Cinematic Storyboard Artist
Game Cinematic Storyboard Artists design storyboards for video game cutscenes and trailers. They collaborate with game designers, writers, and animators to visualize narrative sequences. Their work helps guide the animation and camera work in game cinematics. They must understand both storytelling and interactive media. This role bridges the gap between game design and cinematic storytelling.
Previsualization (Previs) Artist
Previsualization Artists create detailed animatics or 3D storyboards to plan complex scenes, often for VFX-heavy films. They use digital tools to create moving storyboards that simulate camera moves and timing. Their work helps directors and producers make creative decisions before filming. They often work closely with VFX supervisors and editors. This role is highly technical and creative, requiring proficiency in specialized software.
Entry Level Job Titles
Junior Storyboard Artist
A Junior Storyboard Artist assists senior artists in creating storyboards for various projects. They may be responsible for drawing simple scenes, cleaning up sketches, or making revisions. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the industry. Juniors learn industry standards, workflow, and collaboration. They gradually take on more complex tasks as they gain experience.
Storyboard Intern
Storyboard Interns are typically students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience. They support the storyboard team by organizing files, preparing reference materials, and sometimes drawing under supervision. Interns observe professional workflows and receive mentorship. This role is often temporary but can lead to full-time opportunities. It provides valuable industry exposure and networking.
Storyboard Production Assistant
A Storyboard Production Assistant helps with the logistical and administrative aspects of the storyboard process. They may track revisions, manage schedules, and coordinate between departments. This role is less focused on drawing but provides insight into the production pipeline. It is a good entry point for those interested in both creative and organizational roles. Over time, assistants may transition to artistic positions.
Mid Level Job Titles
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist at the mid-level is responsible for creating detailed storyboards for entire sequences or episodes. They interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and may mentor junior artists. Their work is more autonomous and requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling. They are expected to meet deadlines and maintain consistency in style. This role is the backbone of most storyboard teams.
Storyboard Revisionist
Storyboard Revisionists update and refine existing storyboards based on feedback from directors and producers. They ensure continuity, correct errors, and improve visual clarity. This role requires attention to detail and adaptability. Revisionists often work under tight deadlines and must quickly implement changes. They play a key role in maintaining the quality of the final boards.
Senior Level Job Titles
Senior Storyboard Artist
A Senior Storyboard Artist leads the creation of storyboards for major projects or entire productions. They work closely with directors, writers, and department heads to establish the visual tone. Seniors often supervise junior artists and provide feedback. They are responsible for complex sequences and high-stakes scenes. Their experience and leadership are critical to the success of the project.
Lead Storyboard Artist
Lead Storyboard Artists oversee the storyboard team and manage workflow. They assign tasks, review work, and ensure deadlines are met. Leads act as a bridge between the creative team and production management. They may also handle the most challenging sequences themselves. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills.
Director Level Job Titles
Storyboard Supervisor
A Storyboard Supervisor manages the entire storyboard department on a production. They set the visual style, review all boards, and ensure consistency across the project. Supervisors work closely with directors and producers to align the storyboards with the creative vision. They are responsible for hiring, training, and mentoring the storyboard team. This role requires extensive experience and a deep understanding of storytelling and production.
VP Level Job Titles
Head of Story or VP of Story
The Head of Story or VP of Story oversees the story development and storyboard departments at a studio or production company. They set long-term creative strategies and ensure the highest quality of storytelling across multiple projects. This executive role involves managing large teams, budgets, and schedules. They collaborate with top-level executives, directors, and producers. Their decisions shape the creative direction of the studio's output.
How to Advance Your Current Storyboard Artist Title
Build a strong portfolio
Continuously update your portfolio with high-quality, diverse storyboard samples. Include both personal and professional work that demonstrates your storytelling, composition, and technical skills. Tailor your portfolio to the type of projects or studios you want to work for. Seek feedback from industry professionals and incorporate their suggestions. A strong portfolio is essential for advancing to higher-level positions.
Network within the industry
Attend industry events, workshops, and online forums to connect with other professionals. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations. Stay active on professional platforms like LinkedIn and share your work regularly. Networking helps you stay informed about industry trends and job openings. Personal connections often play a key role in career advancement.
Develop technical skills
Master industry-standard software such as Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, and 3D previs tools. Stay updated on new technologies and techniques in visual storytelling. Technical proficiency makes you more versatile and valuable to employers. Consider taking courses or certifications to enhance your skills. Advanced technical abilities can set you apart from other candidates.
Seek feedback and mentorship
Regularly ask for feedback from supervisors, peers, and mentors. Constructive criticism helps you identify areas for improvement and grow as an artist. Mentorship provides guidance on navigating your career path and overcoming challenges. Be open to learning from others' experiences. Continuous improvement is key to moving up in your career.
Take on leadership roles
Volunteer for tasks such as mentoring junior artists, leading small teams, or managing parts of a project. Leadership experience demonstrates your ability to handle greater responsibility. It prepares you for senior or supervisory positions. Show initiative and reliability in your current role. Leadership skills are highly valued for career progression.
Similar Storyboard Artist Careers & Titles
Concept Artist
Concept Artists create visual representations of characters, environments, and props for films, games, and animation. Their work helps define the look and feel of a project before production begins. They often collaborate with directors and designers to explore different visual ideas. While their focus is on design rather than sequential storytelling, their skills overlap with those of storyboard artists. Both roles require strong drawing and visualization abilities.
Animatic Editor
Animatic Editors assemble storyboard images into timed video sequences, adding sound and dialogue to create a rough version of the final film. They work closely with storyboard artists and directors to refine pacing and storytelling. Their work helps identify issues before full production begins. This role requires both technical and creative skills. Animatic editors play a crucial role in the pre-production process.
Visual Development Artist
Visual Development Artists design the overall visual style of a project, including color palettes, lighting, and mood. They create key art and reference materials for the production team. Their work influences the look of backgrounds, characters, and props. While they focus more on design than sequential storytelling, their role is closely related to that of storyboard artists. Both contribute to the project's visual narrative.
Layout Artist
Layout Artists translate storyboards into detailed scene compositions, determining camera angles, character placement, and background elements. They work closely with directors and animators to set up shots for production. Their work ensures that the visual flow and continuity are maintained. Layout artists bridge the gap between storyboarding and animation. Their role is essential in both 2D and 3D productions.
Comic Book Artist
Comic Book Artists create sequential art for comics and graphic novels. They use similar storytelling techniques as storyboard artists, such as panel composition and pacing. Their work involves both drawing and narrative development. While comics are a finished product and storyboards are a pre-production tool, the skills required are closely related. Many storyboard artists also work in comics and vice versa.