A Storyboard artist (sometimes referred to as story artist) is a career specializing in creating storyboards for ad agencies and film productions. Storyboard Artists are used by directors, writers, producers, cinematographers and commercial production houses all over the world. To create the storyboard for commercials, cartoons, films etc. They find animation jobs in a variety of entertainment fields, making it a versatile profession to be a part of. Most Storyboard artists tend to work long hours prior to commercial or film production and usually need to be on-site for the planning and development of the film or commercial.
Storyboard Artists come from many backgrounds and they seem to be born with a talent for it. Most storyboard artists start as graphic artists or illustrators and work their way up by making connections with production designers and other storyboard artists. Some vital skills needed by storyboard artists are superb drawing skills; very good communication skills; ability to visualize perspective and three dimensional spaces; they must also be able to visually interpret other people's ideas; they need the ability to draw and work quickly with skill when required. Having your degree in animation is a great way to get yourself noticed for an entry level storyboarding position or any other animation jobs. If you don’t have your degree that’s ok, there are some short programs available for learning to be a storyboard artist. It is extremely important to have as much drawing experience as possible. Build up your portfolio either in your book or on line. Remember internships can really help by getting your foot in the door, even if you can’t get an internship in storyboard anywhere within the field will help such as with graphic artists or illustrators, this is a great way to make connections within the industry.
Being a storyboard artist is an extremely rewarding profession for those who are able to multitask with their art and juggle deadlines on a daily basis.
