Commercial Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of advertising and film, the demand for commercial storyboard artists is higher than ever.

With the continuous evolution of visual storytelling, the need for creative minds who can conceptualize, design, and bring our advertising narratives to life grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a commercial storyboard artist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the process of storyboarding in advertising,

You’re at the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Commercial Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Storyboard Artists play a vital role in pre-production phases of film, animation, and advertising projects.

They create visual narratives that guide the production team in creating the final product, from commercials to movies.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with directors, producers, and other team members to understand the vision of the project
• Translating scripts or narratives into sequential illustrations
• Creating detailed and expressive storyboards that visually narrate the plot
• Using digital and traditional drawing techniques to create compelling and dynamic images
• Presenting storyboards to project stakeholders, incorporating their feedback and making necessary revisions
• Detailing the timing and progression of shots within each scene
• Indicating camera angles, lighting details, and character movements in the storyboards
• Maintaining awareness of budget and time constraints
• Staying updated with latest software and technologies in the field of storyboarding

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and imaginative Commercial Storyboard Artist to create dynamic and compelling visual narratives for our advertising campaigns.

The role involves collaborating with our creative team, understanding the project brief, and bringing the concept to life through engaging storyboards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing their ability to translate scripts into sequential art, and a deep understanding of cinematography, perspective, and framing techniques.

 

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with directors and scriptwriters to understand the storyline and narrative elements
• Create storyboards that depict the script and narrative as per director’s vision
• Develop characters, scenes, and backgrounds to create a visual story
• Present storyboards to project teams and address any revisions or changes
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to strict deadlines
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of latest techniques and tools used in storyboard creation

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a storyboard artist, preferably in the advertising industry
• Strong portfolio demonstrating your storytelling abilities and artistic skills
• Familiarity with digital storyboard creation tools like Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, or similar
• Excellent drawing skills and understanding of layout, composition, sequential drawing and editing
• Ability to visualize perspective and 3-dimensional space
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Illustration, Animation, or related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Storyboard Artist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Creative Director or Art Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $90,000 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, cover letter and portfolio showcasing your storyboard work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Storyboard Artist Do?

Commercial Storyboard Artists usually work for advertising agencies, production companies, or directly with clients in various industries.

They can also work as freelancers.

Their role primarily involves creating storyboards for commercial videos, animations, and other visual advertisements.

They work closely with the creative director, copywriter, and other team members to visually represent the narrative, concept, or script of the commercial.

Commercial Storyboard Artists sketch out the sequence of the commercial shot by shot.

This includes the setting, characters, and actions, as well as camera angles and movements.

They might also indicate lighting, color schemes, and other visual elements to guide the production team.

They are responsible for making changes and revisions to the storyboard based on feedback from the client or the creative team.

They must ensure that their storyboard meets the creative objectives and conveys the intended message of the advertisement.

Additionally, they may also assist in presentations to clients, explaining the storyboard and the visual direction of the commercial.

Their ultimate goal is to create a visual guide that helps the production team bring the commercial to life, and the client to visualize the final output.

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Qualifications and Skills

Commercial Storyboard Artists are required to use a combination of artistic skills, technical abilities, and storytelling expertise to visually translate scripts into a series of scenes.

This involves:

• Exceptional drawing skills to create detailed, clear and accurate representations of scenes from the script.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of composition, perspective, and sequential drawing to effectively communicate the progression of scenes.
• Proficiency in digital drawing and painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and storyboard-specific software like Toon Boom Storyboard Pro.
• Ability to interpret and visually translate scripts, including understanding the tone, genre, and narrative structure of the script.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with directors, scriptwriters, and other team members, as well as to clearly present and explain storyboard panels.
• Problem-solving skills to anticipate and resolve potential issues in the visual storytelling process.
• Creativity and imagination to visualize and draw scenes that may not be explicitly described in the script.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Experience Requirements

Commercial Storyboard Artists typically start their careers by obtaining a degree in art, animation, graphic design, or a related field, where they gain fundamental knowledge and practical experience in the principles of design and storytelling.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in animation studios or advertising agencies.

They may have developed their skills in roles such as Junior Storyboard Artist, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, or Animator.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are likely to have a portfolio showcasing a variety of commercial storyboards, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas visually, create dynamic and engaging story sequences, and work to tight deadlines.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have proven skills in working collaboratively with directors, copywriters, and other creative team members.

They may also have experience in leading a team of artists, managing projects, and ensuring the storyboard aligns with the client’s vision and objectives.

This level of experience may prepare them for senior or supervisory roles within the field.

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Education and Training Requirements

Commercial Storyboard Artists generally need a bachelor’s degree in art, design, animation, or a related field.

They also require a strong foundation in drawing, creative design, and visual storytelling.

Proficiency in using design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphic design tools is essential.

Courses in filmmaking, cinematography, or visual effects can also be beneficial as they provide a deeper understanding of motion, camera angles, and perspectives, which are crucial in storyboarding.

Some positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in animation, visual arts or related disciplines, particularly for more advanced or specialized roles.

Certification from recognized design or animation institutes can be an added advantage and might help artists to stand out in a competitive field.

Continuing education and skill enhancement through workshops, online tutorials, and advanced courses are recommended to stay updated with the latest tools and techniques.

Above all, a strong portfolio showcasing the artist’s style, creativity, and versatility in creating engaging storyboards is often the decisive factor in hiring decisions.

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Salary Expectations

A Commercial Storyboard Artist earns an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.

However, these earnings can vary greatly based on the artist’s experience, the size and budget of the commercial project, and the region in which the artist is employed.

 

Commercial Storyboard Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Commercial Storyboard Artist need?

Commercial Storyboard Artists should have strong drawing skills, a good sense of visual storytelling, and an understanding of cinematic techniques, including camera angles, composition, and lighting.

They should be proficient in various digital art tools and software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Communication skills are also essential as they often work with directors, producers, and other members of a production team to convey the vision of the script visually.

 

Do Commercial Storyboard Artists need a degree?

Not necessarily, but having a degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or related fields can be beneficial.

However, what matters most is the artist’s portfolio showcasing their ability to visualize and illustrate story ideas.

While formal education can be helpful, industry experience and a demonstrated talent for drawing and visual storytelling are often more important.

 

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

Look for strong artistic skills, experience in storyboarding, and familiarity with various digital drawing tools.

Knowledge of cinematic techniques and visual storytelling is a plus.

Additionally, check for any experience they might have in working with production teams, as it indicates their ability to work collaboratively and under tight deadlines.

 

What qualities make a good Commercial Storyboard Artist?

A good Commercial Storyboard Artist is creative, versatile, and able to adapt their drawing style to suit different projects.

They have excellent visual storytelling skills and an understanding of cinematography and filmmaking techniques.

They are good communicators and collaborators, able to work effectively with directors and other team members to bring scripts to life visually.

They should also be detail-oriented and able to work under tight deadlines.

 

How challenging is it to find a good Commercial Storyboard Artist?

Finding a talented Commercial Storyboard Artist can be challenging due to the specific skillset required.

The candidate must not only be a talented artist but also have an understanding of filmmaking techniques and visual storytelling.

A good Commercial Storyboard Artist can significantly influence how a commercial is filmed and perceived, making this role essential for any commercial production.

Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly review portfolios and conduct interviews to assess their suitability for the job.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a commercial storyboard artist.

But guess what?

It’s not just about drawing pictures.

It’s about weaving a captivating narrative, one frame at a time.

With our comprehensive commercial storyboard artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly poised to make your move.

But why stop at just that?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your path to creating flawless job listings or tailoring your portfolio to absolute perfection.

Always remember:

Each frame is an integral part of the overall story.

Let’s tell that story. Together.

How to Become a Commercial Storyboard Artist (Complete Guide)

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