Animated Series Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the world of animation, the demand for storyboard artists in animated series has never been greater.

As animation evolves, so too does the need for imaginative minds who can sketch, develop, and craft our animated narratives.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an animated series storyboard artist?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
A hiring manager imagining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the process of animated storytelling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable animated series storyboard artist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

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Animated Series Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Storyboard Artists for animated series play a crucial role in creating the initial visuals for the show, translating the script into a visual format before animation begins.

They sketch out the scenes, define the characters’ motions and expressions, and arrange the panels to convey the story.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

Reading and understanding scripts to envision the sequence of events
Creating storyboards that depict the narrative, character emotion, and the action of the script
Working closely with the director to capture the style and vision of the show
Designing characters and environments that align with the script’s descriptions and overall theme
Using digital software to create storyboard panels and sequences
Reviewing storyboards with the director and making revisions as required
Providing a visual reference for scene layouts, character actions and camera movements for the animation team
Keeping up with animation trends and techniques to continually improve and evolve storyboard quality
Collaborating with other departments such as the animation team, voice actors, and sound designers to ensure the storyboard aligns with other elements of the production

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a talented and creative Animated Series Storyboard Artist to join our dynamic team.

The successful candidate will have a keen eye for detail, strong visualization skills and the ability to turn scripts into sequential, visual stories that guide the production of our animated series.

Storyboard Artists are crucial to the early stages of our animation process and should have a thorough understanding of animation techniques, a passion for storytelling, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Create storyboards that visually depict the narrative, dialogue, and action of the script
Work closely with the director and other members of the production team to understand the story, style, and themes of the series
Use feedback from the team to revise and enhance storyboards
Follow established design styles and character models
Collaborate with other artists and animators to ensure consistency and quality of final product
Meet project deadlines and milestones as set by project leads
Ensure storyboards align with the creative vision and mood of the project
Stay updated with emerging trends in animation and storyboard techniques

Qualifications

Proven experience as a storyboard artist in animation, film or related field
Strong drawing skills and the ability to adapt to a wide range of styles
Proficiency in storyboard software such as Toon Boom Storyboard Pro or Photoshop
Understanding of cinematic techniques, principles of animation, and film theory
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Bachelor’s degree in animation, art or related field is preferred

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Animated Series Storyboard Artist
Work Environment: Studio setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Animation Supervisor.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Animated Series Storyboard Artist Do?

An Animated Series Storyboard Artist primarily works in the animation industry, collaborating with directors, writers, and animators to bring stories to life.

They are responsible for creating visual narratives of scripts through sequential art, essentially determining how the story will unfold, scene by scene.

Storyboard Artists sketch the entire episode, illustrating everything from major plot points to subtle movements, expressions, and details.

They also often indicate the timing of events and how characters move within the environment.

They work closely with directors to understand their vision and translate it into a series of drawings.

These drawings serve as the blueprint for the animators and help them visualize the sequence of the storyline, the characters’ emotions, and the timing of the actions.

Storyboard Artists may also be involved in the design and development of the characters, props, and environments.

They play a crucial role in determining the look and feel of the animated series.

While some Storyboard Artists may specialize in a particular animation style or genre, they need to be adaptable and able to interpret a variety of creative visions.

They must be detail-oriented, have strong visual storytelling skills, and be able to work under tight deadlines.

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Qualifications and Skills

An animated series storyboard artist should possess a mix of artistic talent, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills.

These include:

Artistic abilities to draw scenes and characters, illustrating action and expressing emotions through visual storytelling
Understanding of cinematic techniques, camera angles, and framing to effectively convey the director’s vision
Technical proficiency in storyboard software such as Toon Boom Storyboard Pro or Adobe Photoshop
Strong visual and spatial skills to imagine and depict both two-dimensional and three-dimensional scenes
Excellent communication skills to work collaboratively with directors, writers, and animators, and to present storyboards effectively
Time management skills to meet tight production schedules and deliver quality work under pressure
Knowledge of the animation process and ability to design with animation constraints in mind
An understanding of color theory, lighting, and perspective to create a visually pleasing and coherent storyboard

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Experience Requirements

Entry-level storyboard artists for animated series typically require 1 to 2 years of experience.

This could be gained through internships or part-time roles in animation studios or related environments.

Relevant educational experience, such as a degree in animation or a related field, can also contribute to this requirement.

Artists at this level should have proven abilities to conceptualize and illustrate storylines, characters, and environments, often using digital illustration tools.

Familiarity with animation software, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team are also vital.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to create compelling and expressive storyboards for a variety of animation styles.

They may have also worked on multiple animated projects, showing their ability to meet tight deadlines, follow creative direction, and contribute to the overall visual style of an animated series.

Storyboard artists with more than 5 years of experience are often expected to have some leadership experience.

This could include mentoring junior artists, leading storyboard sessions, or even directing episodes.

Such artists may also be expected to play a more significant role in shaping the visual storytelling of an animated series, and may be considered for senior artist or directorial roles.

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Education and Training Requirements

Animated Series Storyboard Artists typically have a bachelor’s degree in animation, fine arts, graphic design, or a related field.

To gain the necessary skills and experience, these artists often take coursework in drawing, 2D and 3D design, computer graphics, and animation.

These courses provide the foundational knowledge needed to illustrate scenes and create characters, as well as understand the timing and storytelling aspects of animation.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or additional training in a specific area of animation or storytelling, especially for more complex or specialized roles.

Many aspiring storyboard artists also complete internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the industry.

These opportunities often allow them to work closely with experienced artists and directors, which can be invaluable for learning industry-specific techniques and practices.

It is also beneficial for Animated Series Storyboard Artists to have a strong portfolio showcasing their work.

This portfolio is often a deciding factor in hiring decisions, as it directly demonstrates the artist’s skills and style.

While not always required, certification in various animation software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite or Autodesk Maya can further enhance a candidate’s employability.

This indicates an artist’s dedication to mastering their craft and staying updated on the latest technological advancements in the field.

Furthermore, experience in film or television production and an understanding of the production process can be beneficial, as storyboard artists often work closely with production teams.

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Salary Expectations

An Animated Series Storyboard Artist earns an average salary of $64,000 (USD) per year.

This remuneration can fluctuate based on the artist’s years of experience, their portfolio, the complexity of the project, and the location of the company.

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Animated Series Storyboard Artist need?

Storyboard Artists need to be highly skilled in visual storytelling, with a deep understanding of composition, anatomy, perspective, and colour theory.

They must be proficient in drawing, both digitally and by hand.

Also, they should have knowledge of the animation process, and be familiar with the latest software used in animation.

Good communication and collaboration skills are also essential, as they need to work closely with directors and other artists to bring the story to life.

Do Animated Series Storyboard Artists need a degree?

While a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not always required for this role.

Many Storyboard Artists start their careers with a strong portfolio that showcases their talent in drawing and visual storytelling.

Some have gained experience through internships, online courses, or self-study.

However, a degree can provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of animation and enhance employment opportunities.

What should you look for in a Storyboard Artist’s portfolio?

A Storyboard Artist’s portfolio should showcase their ability to tell a story visually.

Look for strong drawing skills, understanding of perspective, and ability to create dynamic and expressive characters.

The portfolio should also demonstrate the artist’s understanding of timing, pacing, and cinematography.

Projects that show the artist’s ability to work in a variety of styles and mediums can also be a plus.

What qualities make a good Animated Series Storyboard Artist?

A good Storyboard Artist should be highly creative, with a strong ability to visualize and depict complex scenes.

They should also be adaptable, able to modify their style to fit the specific requirements of a project.

Good Storyboard Artists are also excellent communicators, able to convey their ideas effectively to the rest of the team.

They also need to be organized and detail-oriented, to ensure that their work aligns with the overall vision of the project.

Is it challenging to hire Animated Series Storyboard Artists?

Finding a skilled Storyboard Artist for an Animated Series can be challenging, given the specialized skills required.

The demand for experienced Storyboard Artists can often exceed the supply, making the recruitment process competitive.

Offering a supportive work environment, creative freedom, and a fair remuneration package can attract high-quality candidates.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the exciting journey of becoming an animated series storyboard artist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about drawing sketches.

It’s about painting the vibrant canvas of riveting narratives, one frame at a time.

With our comprehensive animated series storyboard artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to jumpstart your creative career.

But why limit your exploration?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate companion for meticulously crafting job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every frame you sketch is a piece of the larger story.

Let’s weave these stories. Together.

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Animated Series Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Animated Series Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities