A storyboard artist takes a script (or just a concept) and turns the words into a visual story. It plays a significant role in many vital industries and media. Even as a choice of career, it comes off as very exotic and exciting. But it is also quite similar to being a comic artist. Storyboard artists are often called story artists or visualizers.

They are an essential persona when it comes to animation, filmmaking, and many other fields. Storyboard artists’ work translates a director’s idea, probably verbal, into a visual interpretation.

It’s a critical position because how the storyboard comes out will control what the film will become in the end. Other members related to the production of the media will take references from the storyboard and make progressions in their project.

Storyboard artists will often be compared to comic artists due to the similarities in their work. Both of the tasks involve art and a good amount of creativity. However, what sets storyboard artists from a comic artist is that storyboard artists do not use their ideas but instead the director’s idea.

How Do Storyboard Artists Work?

Storyboard artists work from home and send in their final product via mail or other messaging applications. They might work as a permanent employee under a company or as a freelancer.

Often storyboard artists are supplemented with a script from the scriptwriter. In case they aren’t, the director present’s his ideas both verbally and written. The artist draws up all important panels and fills them with different scenarios, like a comic strip, that will take place throughout the media. Often the artist will include gags or their ideas to present their visions.

In the past, artists drew their storylines using pencil and markers. Nowadays, they do all the necessary illustration work on a tablet and computer.

Depending on the production quality, the storyboard mind is later cleaned-up, proofread, and rechecked. It ensures that the drawings are well detailed and easy to follow up with. They may also work with other photographers and writers for follow-up assistance.

The artist may also fill in background details and use built-in clip or custom clip arts to further elaborate scenes that the producers might find hard to understand.

The duty of a storyboard artist generally includes:

  • Creating images using paper or computer programs
  • Researching projects
  • Developing a story by working closely with other creative staff and animators
  • Editing, adding, and eliminating scenes as the final product develops
  • Making changes to the storyboards based on feedback
  • Meeting and discussing projects with directors, clients, etc.

Who Do Storyboard Artists Work with?

Being a storyboard artist is a beautiful job with lots of opportunities and a convenient location since most artists work remotely. It is a productive career for anyone who seeks to work as an artist, director, or writer. Storyboard artists have different goals in different industries.

Advertising

When it comes to advertising, usually freelance storyboard artists are hired for a single project. The agency sends them the data or short visual interpretation, which the artist must compile and transform into a fully-fledged storyboard. Agency storyboards are usually kept to a minimum number of shots covering about one or two key-frames.

Animation

In animations, the projects are provided on a series of screenplays or storylines. The artist working on these projects are mainly permanently hired and, in most cases, work with a team of similar storyboard artists. The team does the entire work of creating and polishing the storyboard before submitting it to the animation committee for the final review.

Live-action Film

When producing films, the storyboard artist is hired at the beginning of the project and for that project only. The screenwriter or director provides the storyline, and the artist breaks down the script into shots that can be filmed.

What Must a Storyboard Artist Be Good at?

The storyboard artist must be good at what he is supposed to create. The necessary skills he must have in him to be good in his craft are:

  • Have excellent drawing skills and produce artwork with various styles.
  • Be creative and think of how he could improve the project
  • Know layout, composition, sequential drawing, and editing, as well as a strong understanding of framing.
  • Have a strong knowledge of narration and storytelling and put the director’s words into an exciting story.
  • Have a passion for the animation industry.
  • Take the initiative to ask questions to the employer/s if the situation arises.
  • Have good management of time.

Training to Be a Storyboard Artist

Becoming a storyboard artist is in no way easy. There is no degree or formal studies that teach people how to become storyboard artists. However, with enough talent and artistic skills, storyboard artists could find a successful career in this industry.

Even if they do not get enough opportunities as a storyboard artist, they could still see work as game design or graphics design artists.

Nowadays, most people who go into film school pursue a career as a storyboard artist. Such schools help them develop various skills, including:

  • Artistic talent
  • Communication skills
  • Computer skills
  • Drawing
  • Filmmaking, including knowledge of lighting, editing, sound, and basic acting.
  • Public speaking skills

Also, if anyone intends to find a job as a storyboard artist, building a portfolio is a must. A winning portfolio includes some of the works you might have completed. It is practically a sample of your work style, which the employers will assess you on.

When you do get the work being easygoing and offering ideas is a plus point. You’ll also need to be respectful under pressure. Most of all, get the work done by the time limit, or you might lose the job.

Conclusion

A storyboard artist is a prolific and exciting career. Most of all, it comes with various perks. Instead of sitting on a desk and working from your office, you get to work from home. Relax and make sure to follow the timeline o get your things done right.

Even if you are under pressure, do not crumple. Try hard, and you might find the right place for yourself.