How to Become a Storyboard Artist

Becoming a storyboard artist -- for such industries as film, TV commercials or music videos -- mainly requires good drawing and storytelling skills. Applying for this type of job means fitting a certain list of qualifications, which typically includes at least a bachelor's degree and experience as an illustrator, visualizer, comics artist or other, similar fields. An arts degree is preferred although not always required. A production company may hire a storyboard artist as a part-time or full-time employee. A storyboard artist can also work as a freelance artist.

Instructions

1. Make an impressive portfolio of sample works. If you have no prior professional experience to include in your portfolio, you can still make sample storyboards for a variety of subjects such as film, TV commercials or advertising. You can also showcase storyboard projects you had in school, if any. You could even re-create a popular movie's storyboard. Potential employers place more weight on submitted visual materials than on a written resume. However, including a resume in a typical application is still necessary.

2. Accept all work, even small commissioned works or pro bono projects, to help you build your samples and portfolio. These jobs also allow you to gain more experience in the industry and acquire more contacts for future projects.

3. Package your portfolio, sample works, resume and cover letter together using a creative concept, for example making them work together as one whole artwork. Since you are trying to get into a creative industry, aesthetics matter. The keys to being remembered are visual appeal and making a striking statement through your artwork and your application. You may also submit traditional application documents if you are confident that they would work better. Remember that each production company that can hire you has its own tastes and preferences.

4. Create an online portfolio, preferably using your own domain name and website. An online presence adds to your credibility. Add links to your other online profiles and sample works on sites such as LinkedIn, deviantART, Facebook, Youtube and Vimeo.

5. Make a business card and always have copies handy for potential clients when you incidentally meet them at conventions, meetings, conferences and parties. The card should list links to your website or online portfolio.

6. Look for prospective storyboard artist jobs online or through friends, colleagues and other network sources. Check for openings in job sites and the specific websites of companies you want to work with, such as film, animation, advertising and gaming studios.

Tips & Warnings

• Joining film, animation and art clubs may help you expand your networks and connections.

• Avoid clutter. Limit your portfolio to the best work, especially those that are more popular or for which you've received awards. You may also make a separate portfolio for each type of production such as live-action films, animated films, commercials and other audiovisual work.

References

• Film Connection Film Institute: How to Become a Storyboard Artist
• Jon Dahlstrom: Storyboards, a Tool for Success
• Skillset: Storyboard Artist
• Inside Jobs: What is a Storyboard Artist?
• Anthony Zierhut: What Does a Storyboard Artist Do?
• Job Profiles: Film and Video - Storyboard Artist

Resources

• Stay Up: How to Become a Storyboard Artist