Storyboard Artist

Education & Training

• College level education in Fine Arts, Animation, or related fields is preferred
• Proficiency in English or other relevant languages depending on project requirements
• Strong professional communication skills to collaborate effectively within teams
• Commitment to ongoing training and development in artistic techniques and software

Ideal Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a storyboard artist or in a similar role
• Background in film, television, or animation environments
• Exposure to international business practices and diverse cultural perspectives
• Experience working within structured organizations to meet project deadlines

Core Technical Skills

• Proficiency in storyboard creation software, such as Toon Boom, Storyboard Pro, or similar tools
• Strong artistic capabilities, including drawing, composition, and visual storytelling
• Data handling skills for organization and documentation of storyboard revisions
• Effective communication and coordination abilities with other departments and stakeholders

Key Tools & Platforms

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace
• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
• Project Management: Trello, Asana, Monday.com
• Storyboard Software: Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, TVPaint

Performance Metrics

• Success measured by the quality and creativity of storyboards produced
• Key performance indicators include adherence to project timelines and feedback incorporation
• Quality metrics focus on visual coherence, clarity of storytelling, and alignment with creative vision

The role of a storyboard artist is critical in the pre-production phase of any visual narrative project, such as films, animations, or video games. Handling daily tasks effectively ensures that the overall vision is communicated clearly, enhancing collaboration among teams and ultimately guiding the creative process efficiently. Your storyboard artist brings artistic vision and organizational skills to the table, making their daily responsibilities foundational to project success.

Morning Routine (Your Business Hours Start)

At the beginning of the workday, your storyboard artist typically starts by reviewing their agenda and project timelines. This initial assessment allows for a clear understanding of ongoing projects and deadlines. They may check for emails or messages from the production team, directors, or other stakeholders that could impact their work. Establishing this communication helps prioritize tasks and sets a productive tone for the day.

Scene Breakdown and Reference Material Review

One of the primary responsibilities of your storyboard artist involves breaking down scripts and story outlines into manageable visual scenes. They utilize software such as Storyboard Pro or Photoshop to create visuals that convey action, emotion, and pacing. This involves analyzing key elements from scripts to decide how best to represent the narrative through sequential art, ensuring that each frame aligns with the overall storytelling objectives. This detailed work requires both creativity and technical skill, as your storyboard artist translates written descriptions into compelling visuals.

Collaboration with Directors and Writers

Your storyboard artist frequently engages in discussions with directors and writers to clarify the narrative vision. This collaboration lasts throughout the day, as ideas are exchanged and feedback is provided. They may participate in brainstorming sessions or story meetings to refine concepts and address any challenges that arise. By actively contributing to these creative dialogues, your storyboard artist plays a crucial role in shaping the project’s visual direction.

Visualization and Iteration Process

The visualization phase is a core responsibility where your storyboard artist develops rough sketches and preliminary boards that represent each scene. Utilizing tools such as Wacom tablets, they illustrate sequences that capture the essence of the story. Throughout this process, they often iterate on designs based on feedback and evolving project needs, which fosters a flexible approach to storytelling. This continuous improvement ensures that the final product meets the creative aspirations of the entire team.

Participation in Story Review Sessions

Your storyboard artist also participates in story review sessions where they present their storyboard drafts to the team. These sessions are crucial for gathering diverse insights and making necessary adjustments. The collaboration during these reviews often leads to creative breakthroughs, allowing the storyboard artist to further refine their work based on team feedback, ensuring alignment with the project's artistic vision.

End of Day Wrap Up

As the day comes to a close, your storyboard artist reviews completed tasks and organizes their work for the following day. They may update project timelines and send status reports to directors or producers, ensuring that all involved parties are aware of progress and any potential obstacles. This end-of-day wrap-up is vital for maintaining transparency and preparing for the next steps in the artistic process.

Having a dedicated storyboard artist provides invaluable support in translating creative visions into structured narratives. Their daily tasks not only enhance individual projects but also strengthen team collaborations, driving the overall success of the creative endeavor.

Hire a Storyboard Artist when:

• You need visual storytelling for animations, films, or television productions
• You require a professional who can illustrate sequences of action to enhance narrative flow
• You are developing a project where the pacing and shot composition are crucial
• You want an expert to collaborate with directors and writers to visualize scripts effectively
• You need a specialist adept at creating character and scene designs that drive production

Consider an Animator instead if:

• Your focus is on bringing static images to life with movement and sound
• You need someone to produce character animations based on storyboard outlines
• Your project demands advanced skills in timing, motion, and effects

Consider a Illustrator instead if:

• You primarily require detailed artwork and illustrations without the need for sequencing
• Your focus is on single images instead of visual narratives
• You have a project that does not require paired visuals for movement or action

Consider a Graphic Designer instead if:

• Your main need is for branding, promotional materials, or other visual communications
• You want to create static visuals, including logos and advertisements, rather than animations
• Your project doesn't focus on storyboarding scenes or sequences

Consider a Video Editor instead if:

• You require expertise in editing footage rather than conceptualizing visual sequences
• Your project involves arranging and combining filmed or animated content
• You need someone focused on post-production instead of pre-production storyboarding

It is common for businesses to begin with one role like a Storyboard Artist and later expand their team by adding specialized roles as project requirements grow and evolve.

Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)

In the professional services sector, a Storyboard Artist plays a vital role in visually communicating complex information. The artist collaborates with legal, accounting, and consulting firms to develop graphic representations that simplify intricate processes and presentations for clients. Tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office are frequently used to create professional presentations and visual documents. Given the nature of the work, maintaining compliance with confidentiality agreements and client information protection is critical. Typical workflows involve meetings with stakeholders to gather requirements, drafting storyboards, and finalizing visuals for client review and approval.

Real Estate

Within the real estate industry, a Storyboard Artist's function is centered around enhancing marketing materials and client presentations. The role typically includes creating storyboards that illustrate property features and layout through images and supporting text. Software such as Canva and Adobe Photoshop is often utilized for graphic design and presentation creation. Storyboard Artists may also be involved in transaction coordination and CRM management, ensuring that visual narratives are aligned with current market listings and client preferences. Effective communication with clients is essential, as the artist often collaborates closely with agents to develop engaging visual content for presentations and promotional purposes.

Healthcare and Medical Practices

In the healthcare sector, a Storyboard Artist works to translate medical information and patient experiences into understandable and engaging visuals. The role demands an understanding of medical terminology and compliance, especially with HIPAA regulations regarding patient confidentiality. Storyboard Artists create visual stories for training materials, marketing, and patient education resources. Familiarity with software such as Epic for electronic medical records or patient scheduling tools is beneficial. Responsibilities may include coordinating with healthcare professionals to gather accurate information and crafting storyboards that illustrate treatment processes or patient care protocols.

Sales and Business Development

A Storyboard Artist in the sales and business development arena focuses on visually representing product offerings and client solutions. Utilizing CRM tools like Salesforce, the artist tracks leads and pipeline progress, ensuring visuals remain consistent with the overall sales strategy. The preparation of proposals, including storyboards to enhance presentations, is a significant aspect of the role. Additionally, reporting and analytics support after client meetings can elevate presentations, making data visually appealing and easier to understand for potential clients.

Technology and Startups

In the technology and startup landscape, a Storyboard Artist must adapt to a fast-paced and evolving environment. The role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including developers and product managers, to create storyboards that effectively articulate user experiences and product features. Familiarity with modern tools such as Figma or Sketch can enhance the design process. Storyboard Artists are expected to remain flexible, adjusting their workflows as needed based on feedback and rapid development cycles, while ensuring the visual narrative aligns with the brand's message and goals.

The right Storyboard Artist comprehensively understands industry-specific workflows, terminology, and compliance requirements, enabling them to deliver tailored visual content that effectively communicates messages in diverse contexts.

Best fit for:

• Companies looking to enhance their visual storytelling capabilities through quality storyboard creation
• Film production houses needing additional resources for pre-production planning
• Animation studios seeking specialized skills to streamline their creative processes
• Businesses with tight deadlines that require flexible and scalable storyboard artist support
• Agencies involved in advertising who need quick turnaround on concept visualization
• Organizations that operate in regions with overlapping time zones for effective collaboration

Less ideal for:

• Projects requiring extensive on-site collaboration and immediate feedback
• Companies with highly specialized artistic styles that are difficult to communicate remotely
• Roles needing physical materials or equipment not easily replicated offshore
• Organizations lacking an established framework for digital collaboration and project management

The most successful clients typically begin with a well-defined onboarding process, gradually expanding their teams based on effective communication and project feedback loops. Investment in comprehensive onboarding documentation can significantly enhance collaboration and artist integration. Filipino professionals are known for their strong work ethic, high English proficiency, and exceptional service orientation, making them excellent fits for global teams.

While hiring offshore storyboard artists can lead to cost savings compared to local hires, the long-term value and retention stem from building strong professional relationships and effectively utilizing the unique skills they offer. In the end, leveraging Filipino talent can bring significant benefits to your creative projects and overall success.