Storyboard Artists
Bubble
Professional
Storyboard artists are creative professionals who turn scripts into visual sequences, planning the narrative flow for films, animation,...Show more
Storyboard Artists
Bubble
Professional
Storyboard artists are creative professionals who turn scripts into visual sequences, planning the narrative flow for films, animation, commercials, and more. They play a crucial role in previsualizing story structure, camera angles, and timing before production begins.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Discover Related Bubbles
General Q&A
This bubble centers on storyboard artists who transform scripts into sequential visual narratives that form the creative blueprint for films, TV, animation, and games.
Community Q&A
This bubble centers on storyboard artists who transform scripts into sequential visual narratives that form the creative blueprint for films, TV, animation, and games.
They gather in private forums, industry events like CTN Animation Expo, and through organizations such as The Animation Guild (TAG), often sharing work in portfolio reviews or pitch sessions.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Visual Politics
Hidden InfluencesStoryboard artists navigate a silent power struggle with directors and producers, where their visual decisions subtly guide narrative choices despite appearing subordinate.
Pitching Rituals
Social NormsThe act of 'pitching the board' is not just a presentation but a performative ritual crucial for earning trust and creative input from production teams.
Collaborative Jams
Community Dynamics'Boarding jams' serve as impromptu, communal brainstorming hubs where quick sketching and feedback cycle fosters innovation under time pressure.
Craft Identity
Identity MarkersInside the bubble, storyboard artists assert their identity as narrative architects, rejecting outsider labels of mere illustrators to highlight their story-shaping role.
Sub Groups
Animation Storyboard Artists
Artists specializing in storyboarding for animated films, TV, and web series.
Live-Action Film Storyboard Artists
Professionals focused on storyboarding for feature films, commercials, and TV dramas.
Commercial & Advertising Storyboard Artists
Artists who create storyboards for advertising agencies and commercial production.
Student & Aspiring Storyboard Artists
Emerging artists and students learning the craft and building portfolios.
Freelance Storyboard Artists
Independent professionals working across multiple industries and projects.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
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ArtStation
30%ArtStation is a leading online platform for professional artists in film, animation, and games to showcase portfolios, including storyboard work, and connect with industry peers.
DeviantArt
15%DeviantArt hosts a large creative community with active groups and galleries specifically for storyboard artists to share work and receive feedback.
Reddit
10%Reddit features active subreddits (e.g., r/Storyboard, r/animation) where storyboard artists discuss techniques, share resources, and network.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"If you can draw a stick figure, you're hired!"
This tongue-in-cheek joke plays on how outsiders see storyboard artists as simple illustrators, while insiders know that storytelling skill trumps pretty drawing.
"It's only a 'quick thumbnail'... until it takes three hours."
A humorous nod to how quick sketches often end up taking far longer than planned due to the complexity of storytelling decisions.
Facts & Sayings
„Thumbnails first!“
This phrase emphasizes the importance of starting with small, quick, rough sketches (thumbnails) to explore composition and storytelling ideas before committing to detailed boards.
„Pitch the board“
Refers to the act of presenting the storyboard to directors, producers, or teams to communicate story flow, get feedback, and sell the vision.
„Boarding jam“
An informal collaborative session where storyboard artists come together to sketch, brainstorm, and solve story or sequence problems quickly.
„Animatics save lives“
A joking expression underscoring how animatics (animated storyboards) help clarify pacing and storytelling, often catching problems that static boards miss.
Unwritten Rules
Keep boards clear and readable
Clarity in sketches ensures directors and producers quickly understand story flow without confusion, which is crucial during fast feedback cycles.
Be ready to revise on short notice
Storyboarding is highly iterative; artists must adapt swiftly to feedback, demonstrating flexibility and collaboration.
Don't show too much detail too soon
Starting with simple thumbnails before detailed boards prevents wasted effort and keeps story development fluid.
Pitch with confidence but be open to critique
Presenting boards assertively while welcoming feedback indicates professionalism and respect for collaborative storytelling.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Lena, 29
Storyboard ArtistfemaleLena is a junior storyboard artist working in a small animation studio in Berlin, passionate about storytelling through visuals.
CreativityCollaborationNarrative clarity
Motivations
- To grow her artistic skills and storytelling techniques
- To contribute creatively to diverse animation projects
- To build a professional network within the animation community
Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines while maintaining quality
- Translating abstract scripts into clear visual sequences
- Finding regular freelance work to supplement income
Platforms
Discord storyboard groupsInstagram art communitiesStudio project management tools
Storyboard thumbnailAnimaticPanel composition
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People
Bill Peet
Pioneering Disney story artist known for character-driven visual storytelling in classics like 101 Dalmatians.↗
Disney LegendCharacter FocusClassic Era
Maurice Noble
Influential Warner Bros. layout and storyboard artist celebrated for stylized backgrounds and dynamic compositions.↗
Looney TunesDesign VisionaryGolden Age
Joe Ranft
Pixar story artist and writer whose storyboards for Toy Story and A Bug’s Life elevated animated storytelling.
Pixar PioneerEmotional BeatsStory-Driven
Glen Keane
Renowned Disney animator and storyboard artist behind Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast).
Character AnimatorExpressive PosesDisney Renaissance
Hayao Miyazaki
Co-founder of Studio Ghibli whose early storyboards shaped the narrative flow of films like My Neighbor Totoro.
Ghibli MasterHand-DrawnWhimsical Worlds
Satoshi Kon
Japanese director/storyboard artist noted for inventive layouts and psychological staging in Perfect Blue and Paprika.
Media MixPsycho-VisualDynamic Cuts
Craig Mullins
Digital concept and storyboard artist credited with pioneering painterly techniques in previsualization.
Digital PioneerPainterly StyleGame & Film
Dan Haskett
Veteran Disney and freelance storyboard artist known for character design and story development on Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Character DesignerHybrid MediaNostalgic Vibes
Ralph Bakshi
Animator and director who often personally storyboarded his adult animated features like Wizards.
Indie AnimationCult StatusRough Edge
Linda Matthews
Story artist and educator behind numerous Pixar workshops and Storyboarding Essentials textbooks.
EducatorWorkshop LeaderIndustry Mentor
1 / 3
1 / 3
People
Bill Peet
Pioneering Disney story artist known for character-driven visual storytelling in classics like 101 Dalmatians.↗
Disney LegendCharacter FocusClassic Era
Maurice Noble
Influential Warner Bros. layout and storyboard artist celebrated for stylized backgrounds and dynamic compositions.↗
Looney TunesDesign VisionaryGolden Age
Joe Ranft
Pixar story artist and writer whose storyboards for Toy Story and A Bug’s Life elevated animated storytelling.
Pixar PioneerEmotional BeatsStory-Driven
Glen Keane
Renowned Disney animator and storyboard artist behind Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast).
Character AnimatorExpressive PosesDisney Renaissance
Hayao Miyazaki
Co-founder of Studio Ghibli whose early storyboards shaped the narrative flow of films like My Neighbor Totoro.
Ghibli MasterHand-DrawnWhimsical Worlds
Satoshi Kon
Japanese director/storyboard artist noted for inventive layouts and psychological staging in Perfect Blue and Paprika.
Media MixPsycho-VisualDynamic Cuts
Craig Mullins
Digital concept and storyboard artist credited with pioneering painterly techniques in previsualization.
Digital PioneerPainterly StyleGame & Film
Dan Haskett
Veteran Disney and freelance storyboard artist known for character design and story development on Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Character DesignerHybrid MediaNostalgic Vibes
Ralph Bakshi
Animator and director who often personally storyboarded his adult animated features like Wizards.
Indie AnimationCult StatusRough Edge
Linda Matthews
Story artist and educator behind numerous Pixar workshops and Storyboarding Essentials textbooks.
EducatorWorkshop LeaderIndustry Mentor
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Study Storyboard Fundamentals
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Learn basic storyboard concepts, visual language, and industry terminology through guides and reference materials.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the foundational knowledge of storyboarding. This includes understanding what a storyboard is, its purpose in the production pipeline, and the visual language used (such as shot types, camera angles, transitions, and timing). Study common industry terminology and symbols, as these are essential for clear communication. Beginners often overlook the importance of learning these basics, leading to confusion when interpreting or creating boards. Use reference books, online articles, and beginner-friendly videos to build this knowledge. Take notes and sketch simple examples to reinforce concepts. This step is crucial because it sets the groundwork for all future skills and helps you communicate effectively with other artists and directors. To evaluate your progress, try explaining basic storyboard concepts to someone else or identify shot types in existing boards.
2
Analyze Professional Storyboards
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Examine real storyboard samples from films or animation to understand structure, pacing, and visual storytelling techniques.
Details: Find and closely study professional storyboard samples from well-known films, TV shows, or animations. Analyze how artists break down scripts into sequences, use framing and composition, and convey movement or emotion. Pay attention to how panels are arranged, how transitions are shown, and how timing is indicated. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of professional boards, but focus on identifying recurring patterns and techniques. Take notes or even try redrawing a few panels to internalize the methods used. This step is important because it exposes you to industry standards and helps you understand what makes a storyboard effective. Progress can be measured by your ability to recognize different shot types, transitions, and narrative techniques in the samples you review.
3
Practice Thumbnail Sketching
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Create quick, small sketches of scenes to practice visualizing ideas and planning shot sequences efficiently.
Details: Start practicing by drawing thumbnail sketches—small, rough drawings that capture the essence of a scene or sequence. Use simple shapes and stick figures to focus on composition, camera angles, and action rather than detailed art. Set a timer and sketch out short sequences (3-6 panels) from a favorite movie or a simple script. Beginners often get bogged down in details, but the goal here is speed and clarity. Use pencil and paper or free digital tools. This exercise builds your ability to quickly translate ideas into visual form, a key skill for storyboard artists. Evaluate your progress by reviewing if your thumbnails clearly communicate the intended action and flow, even without dialogue or detailed art.
1
Study Storyboard Fundamentals
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Learn basic storyboard concepts, visual language, and industry terminology through guides and reference materials.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the foundational knowledge of storyboarding. This includes understanding what a storyboard is, its purpose in the production pipeline, and the visual language used (such as shot types, camera angles, transitions, and timing). Study common industry terminology and symbols, as these are essential for clear communication. Beginners often overlook the importance of learning these basics, leading to confusion when interpreting or creating boards. Use reference books, online articles, and beginner-friendly videos to build this knowledge. Take notes and sketch simple examples to reinforce concepts. This step is crucial because it sets the groundwork for all future skills and helps you communicate effectively with other artists and directors. To evaluate your progress, try explaining basic storyboard concepts to someone else or identify shot types in existing boards.
2
Analyze Professional Storyboards
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Examine real storyboard samples from films or animation to understand structure, pacing, and visual storytelling techniques.
Details: Find and closely study professional storyboard samples from well-known films, TV shows, or animations. Analyze how artists break down scripts into sequences, use framing and composition, and convey movement or emotion. Pay attention to how panels are arranged, how transitions are shown, and how timing is indicated. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of professional boards, but focus on identifying recurring patterns and techniques. Take notes or even try redrawing a few panels to internalize the methods used. This step is important because it exposes you to industry standards and helps you understand what makes a storyboard effective. Progress can be measured by your ability to recognize different shot types, transitions, and narrative techniques in the samples you review.
3
Practice Thumbnail Sketching
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Create quick, small sketches of scenes to practice visualizing ideas and planning shot sequences efficiently.
Details: Start practicing by drawing thumbnail sketches—small, rough drawings that capture the essence of a scene or sequence. Use simple shapes and stick figures to focus on composition, camera angles, and action rather than detailed art. Set a timer and sketch out short sequences (3-6 panels) from a favorite movie or a simple script. Beginners often get bogged down in details, but the goal here is speed and clarity. Use pencil and paper or free digital tools. This exercise builds your ability to quickly translate ideas into visual form, a key skill for storyboard artists. Evaluate your progress by reviewing if your thumbnails clearly communicate the intended action and flow, even without dialogue or detailed art.
4
Storyboard a Short Script
3-5 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Choose a short script or scene and create a complete storyboard sequence, applying learned techniques and conventions.
Details: Select a short script (1-2 pages) from public domain sources or write your own simple scene. Break it down into key moments and visualize each as a panel or sequence of panels. Apply the visual storytelling techniques you've studied—use appropriate shot types, indicate camera movement, and show character actions clearly. Beginners may struggle with pacing or deciding how many panels to use, so start simple and iterate. Share your work with peers or online communities for feedback. This step is vital because it synthesizes your learning and gives you a tangible piece to improve upon. Progress is measured by your ability to tell a coherent story visually and incorporate feedback to refine your boards.
5
Join Storyboarding Communities
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Engage with online groups or local meetups to share work, seek feedback, and learn from experienced storyboard artists.
Details: Find and participate in online communities, forums, or social media groups dedicated to storyboard artists. Introduce yourself, share your practice boards, and actively seek constructive feedback. Observe discussions about industry trends, workflow tips, and portfolio development. Beginners may feel intimidated, but most communities welcome newcomers and offer valuable advice. Engage respectfully, ask questions, and offer feedback to others when possible. This step is essential for networking, staying motivated, and gaining insights that aren't available in tutorials. Progress is evident when you start receiving feedback, participating in discussions, and building connections with other artists.
Welcoming Practices
„Portfolio review sessions“
Organized reviews where experienced storyboard artists give constructive feedback, essential for newcomers to improve and feel integrated.
„Boarding jams“
Casual group sketch sessions that welcome new artists to share ideas, fostering community and collective problem-solving.
Beginner Mistakes
Focusing too much on perfect drawings rather than story clarity
Prioritize storytelling and clear visual communication before refining art details.
Ignoring pacing and cinematic flow
Study film language and sequence timing to avoid static or confusing storyboards.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Build a strong portfolio showcasing narrative skills
A portfolio that highlights storytelling ability through clear, engaging boards is key to gaining respect.
Participate in pitch sessions and boarding jams
Active involvement shows teamwork and adaptability, making one a trusted collaborator.
Mentor or be mentored
Mentorship strengthens community ties and enhances skills, marking progress from newcomer to insider.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American storyboarding tends to emphasize tight integration with large studios and unions like The Animation Guild (TAG), with more formalized pitch sessions.
Europe
European storyboard artists might work more frequently in independent films and commercials, often with a stronger auteur-driven storytelling influence.
Asia
Asian storyboard artists are increasingly involved in high-volume animation and gaming industries, balancing traditional methods with rapid digital workflows.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Storyboard artists just draw what someone else wrote.
Reality
They actually interpret the script creatively, influencing pacing, composition, and narrative choices that shape final productions.
Misconception #2
Anyone who can draw can be a storyboard artist.
Reality
Strong drawing helps, but a deep understanding of cinematic language and storytelling is critical, making it a specialized skill set.
Misconception #3
Storyboards are obsolete with modern CGI and pre-visualization.
Reality
Storyboards remain a vital early step to efficiently communicate ideas and save costly mistakes later in production.
Clothing & Styles
Comfortable casual wear
Storyboard artists prioritize comfort over style due to long hours at desks; hoodies, graphic tees, and sneakers are common in the studio environment.
Drawing gloves
Some digital storyboard artists wear drawing gloves to reduce friction and prevent smudges on tablets, marking their dedication to digital workflows.
