Art Careers - Storyboard Artists

Storyboard artists convert written scripts into storyboards: series of 2D images that map out the action, framing, and key scenes in a script. Storyboard artists work with writers, directors, and animators to visually plan each scene and incorporate details into their storyboards, such as dialogue, special effects, and lighting. Storyboards are used to plan all kinds of live-action and animation video media. A day in the life of a storyboard artist typically involves drawing for the storyboard in small groups, reading scripts, and meetings with the director.

There is no specific educational path for storyboard artists, but they must be skilled in drawing, layout, and design; they also must understand animation, cinematography, and storytelling techniques. Most storyboard artists have a bachelor's degree in a related field like animation, fine art, or film. More storyboard artists work in animation than in live-action film. The top colleges for animation internationally are Gobelins School of Images in France, Sheridan College in Canada, and Bournemouth University's National Center for Computer Animation in England. In the United States, the best animation schools are California Institute for the Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Ringling College of Art and Design.