Role
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist translates a script, outline, or Director’s ideas into sequential drawings that define staging, composition, action, performance, continuity, camera language, and editorial possibilities before expensive production begins. They pitch sequences, revise structure and comedy or drama beats, clarify geography, and provide panels that editorial assembles into an animatic.
In animation the boards may carry much of the scene’s first detailed performance and cutting plan; in live action they help previsualize complex or important sequences.
Storyboard Artist connects a defined craft or decision area to the wider production plan. A strong brief clarifies authority, deliverables, schedule, safety expectations, and the handoffs this role owns.
Responsibilities
- Break scenes into visual beats, shots, staging, and transitions.
- Draw clear character performance, action, geography, and screen direction.
- Pitch boards and revise from story, directing, editorial, and production notes.
- Prepare organized panels, versions, and continuity for animatic editorial.
Tools
- Storyboard and drawing software
- Pen displays and reference libraries
- Script and beat-board systems
- Animatic playback and review tools
Documents
- Storyboard sequence
- Thumbnail pass
- Beat board
- Revision and pitch notes
Skills
- Visual storytelling
- Composition
- Acting and gesture
- Sequential clarity
Career path
- Storyboard Artists often develop from illustration, comics, animation, directing, layout, or storyboard revision work and build sequence-driven portfolios.
Work environment
- The work combines focused drawing with collaborative pitches, story-room revision, editorial review, and fast turnaround.
Common questions
What is the main responsibility of a Storyboard Artist?
A Storyboard Artist translates a script, outline, or Director’s ideas into sequential drawings that define staging, composition, action, performance, continuity, camera language, and editorial possibilities before expensive production begins. They pitch sequences, revise structure and comedy or drama beats, clarify geography, and provide panels that editorial assembles into an animatic.
What does a Storyboard Artist do day to day?
Day to day, Storyboard Artist work commonly includes Break scenes into visual beats, shots, staging, and transitions., Draw clear character performance, action, geography, and screen direction., and Pitch boards and revise from story, directing, editorial, and production notes.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for a Storyboard Artist?
The most useful skills are Visual storytelling, Composition, Acting and gesture, and Sequential clarity. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does a Storyboard Artist use?
Common tools include Storyboard and drawing software, Pen displays and reference libraries, Script and beat-board systems, and Animatic playback and review tools. The role also relies on Storyboard sequence, Thumbnail pass, Beat board, and Revision and pitch notes so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Storyboard Artist?
Storyboard Artists often develop from illustration, comics, animation, directing, layout, or storyboard revision work and build sequence-driven portfolios.
How does a Storyboard Artist vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The work combines focused drawing with collaborative pitches, story-room revision, editorial review, and fast turnaround.
Related entries
Sources
- Animation Guild craft and job-title directory — The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839
- Visual effects title definitions — Visual Effects Society
- Television Credits Manual — Writers Guild of America West