Freelance Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of media and entertainment, the demand for freelance storyboard artists has never been higher.

As storytelling evolves, so too does the need for creative minds who can visualize, design, and bring our narratives to life on paper.

But what exactly is expected from a freelance 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 artistry of storyboarding,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Freelance Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Freelance Storyboard Artists utilize their artistic abilities to conceptualize and illustrate the narrative of a film, animation, video game, or other visual media.

They work closely with directors and producers to create a visual representation of the script, which guides the filming or animation process.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting scripts to visualize the narrative
• Creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative
• Developing characters and settings in detail to aid in visual storytelling
• Collaborating closely with directors, writers, and producers to align the storyboard with their vision
• Designing and sketching quick illustrative concepts for the storyboard
• Ensuring the storyboard communicates the correct camera angles, lighting, and motion
• Producing digital or hand-drawn images based on the storyboarding plan
• Revising storyboards based on feedback from the production team
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in visual storytelling and animation techniques

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a talented and detail-oriented Freelance Storyboard Artist to create compelling and inspiring visual narratives for our projects.

Your responsibilities will include understanding the narrative and creating sequential illustrations to visually represent the story.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong sense of visual storytelling, capable of creating dynamic and engaging storyboards that align with the script, characters, and setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Create detailed and clear storyboards following the given script or narrative
• Work closely with directors and scriptwriters to understand and interpret the story
• Visualize and design characters, settings, and scenes
• Use color, lighting, and camera angles to enhance the mood of the story
• Make necessary changes or revisions as required
• Present storyboards to clients, directors, or stakeholders for approval

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a storyboard artist or similar role
• Strong portfolio demonstrating your storyboard skills
• Excellent drawing skills and the ability to adapt to a wide range of styles
• Strong understanding of storytelling, pacing, and character development
• Familiarity with digital drawing tools and software
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

 

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunity to work on diverse projects
• Competitive pay
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Freelance Storyboard Artist
• Work Environment: Remote work. Meetings may require video conferencing.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Art Director or Project Lead.
• Pay: Pay is based upon project scope and candidate’s experience and qualifications.
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Freelance/Contract
• 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 portfolio and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Freelance Storyboard Artist Do?

Freelance Storyboard Artists typically work on a project-to-project basis in various industries such as film, television, and advertising.

They can also provide their services to animation studios and video game companies.

They work closely with directors, producers, and scriptwriters to visually interpret a script or a concept into a series of illustrations or images.

These images, also known as storyboards, are often used in pre-production to help visualize scenes and sequences before filming or production begins.

Their job is to depict the narrative, plan shots, and map out a scene including character movements, expressions, and settings.

They need to be able to tell a story visually, thus they need a good understanding of storytelling techniques, shot composition, and possibly some knowledge of the cinematography.

They may also be required to add specific details to their storyboards such as camera angles, lighting effects, and character actions, which can be critical for the production team.

In some cases, Freelance Storyboard Artists also need to be able to adapt their storyboards based on feedback from directors or producers, or as the script undergoes changes.

In the world of advertising, they work with art directors and copywriters to visualize commercial scripts, helping the client to understand how the final spot will look and feel.

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Qualifications and Skills

A freelance storyboard artist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Exceptional drawing skills and the ability to visualize scenes and translate them into sketches and illustrations.
• Understanding of storytelling techniques to create storyboards that effectively convey the narrative of the script.
• Ability to create dynamic and expressive characters that align with the descriptions provided.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with directors, writers, and animators, and to ensure that the storyboard accurately represents their vision.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with digital drawing tools and software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate.
• Knowledge of the principles of cinematography, including camera angles, movement, and lighting.
• Experience in animation and understanding the limitations and possibilities of the medium.

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Experience Requirements

Freelance Storyboard Artists may begin gaining experience during their studies, often through internships or part-time roles within film production companies, animation studios, or advertising agencies.

These early experiences provide a foundation in creating storyboards that convey the visual direction of motion media.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, which may include creating storyboards for student films, independent projects, or smaller commercial pieces.

They might also gain experience in relevant roles such as Illustrators, Graphic Artists, or Animators.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid portfolio demonstrating their ability to create compelling and engaging storyboards for various types of media.

They might also have experience in closely collaborating with directors, producers, and other creative team members.

Those with over 5 years of experience often show a proven track record in the industry, with a portfolio showcasing their work on major projects.

They may also have some leadership experience, having guided and mentored junior storyboard artists or led the visual aspect of projects.

This level of experience often opens up opportunities for more complex and high-budget projects.

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Education and Training Requirements

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

Their course of study usually includes classes in drawing, storytelling, and digital art, which are essential skills for creating storyboard sequences.

While not always required, a master’s degree in animation or a related field can give artists a deeper understanding of the craft and may provide a competitive edge in the job market.

On-the-job training is also crucial for these professionals as practical experience is often valued more than theoretical knowledge in the creative arts sector.

Many storyboard artists also undertake certification courses in specific software applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, used widely in the industry for digital storyboarding.

Apart from formal education, a strong portfolio showcasing the artist’s ability to visualize and tell a story through sketches is vital in this profession.

Continuous self-learning and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in storyboarding, like VR storyboarding, can also give the artist an advantage in the increasingly digital entertainment industry.

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Salary Expectations

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

However, the actual income can greatly vary depending on the number of projects, level of experience, and the clients they work with.

It’s also important to note that as a freelancer, benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans are usually not included and must be managed independently.

 

Freelance Storyboard Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Freelance Storyboard Artist need?

A Freelance Storyboard Artist needs to have excellent drawing skills and the ability to visualize and represent storytelling concepts graphically.

They must be proficient in a range of software, such as Photoshop or Illustrator, and have the ability to work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

The ability to take directions and incorporate feedback is also essential, as is good communication to understand the vision of the director or client.

 

Do Freelance Storyboard Artists need a degree?

While a degree in Art, Illustration or a related field can be beneficial, it is not always required for a Freelance Storyboard Artist.

What matters most is the ability to draw and design well, understand storytelling concepts, and have a strong portfolio that demonstrates these abilities.

Some artists may have learned their skills through online courses, self-study or practical experience.

 

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

When reviewing a Freelance Storyboard Artist’s portfolio, look for a strong demonstration of their drawing skills, storytelling abilities, and understanding of cinematography.

The portfolio should show a range of styles and techniques, as well as an understanding of how to visually represent different moods, emotions, and actions.

Evidence of ability to work within time constraints and adapt to different artistic styles is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Freelance Storyboard Artist?

A good Freelance Storyboard Artist is creative, adaptable and able to interpret other people’s ideas visually.

They have strong attention to detail, can work to tight deadlines and are comfortable receiving and acting on feedback.

Good communication skills are also important, as they need to understand the vision of the director or client, and be able to explain their own ideas and decisions.

 

Do Freelance Storyboard Artists work with clients directly?

Yes, Freelance Storyboard Artists often work directly with clients, such as film directors, advertising agencies, or animation studios.

They need to understand the client’s vision and requirements, communicate their ideas effectively, and incorporate the client’s feedback into their work.

Some Freelance Storyboard Artists might also work with intermediaries, like agents or project managers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the fascinating world of a freelance storyboard artist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about drawing scenes.

It’s about visualizing the story, one frame at a time.

With our comprehensive freelance storyboard artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or honing your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Every frame tells a part of the bigger story.

Let’s illustrate that story. Together.

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