How to Become a Commercial Storyboard Artist (Frame Your Success Story)

If you’ve ever been captivated by the visual storytelling in commercials or wondered what it takes to become a commercial storyboard artist, you’ve landed at the right spot.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the SPECIFIC steps you need to take to kickstart your career as a commercial storyboard artist. We’ll discuss:
- The skills you need to master.
- The education that can steer your path.
- How to secure a job as a commercial storyboard artist.
So, whether you’re an artist exploring new avenues or a creative individual seeking to upgrade your skills, stay tuned.
We’re about to decode the roadmap to becoming a commercial storyboard artist.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Steps to Become a Commercial Storyboard Artist
Step 1: Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before embarking on a career as a Commercial Storyboard Artist, it’s essential to understand what the role entails.
A storyboard artist creates visual illustrations to map out the sequence of a commercial, using their artistic abilities to convey the plot, characters, camera angles, and movements.
They work closely with directors and other key members of the creative team, transforming a script into a series of sketches or digital images.
They also need to understand storytelling techniques, cinematography, and sometimes even perform basic animation.
Being a storyboard artist requires excellent drawing skills, a deep understanding of narrative, and a strong sense of visual aesthetics.
They must be able to depict a wide variety of emotions, actions, and scenes using only 2D images.
Understanding the timing of scenes, knowing how to create dynamic and compelling compositions, and being able to communicate ideas clearly to the rest of the team are also crucial skills.
If you’re interested in becoming a Commercial Storyboard Artist, it’s a good idea to start practicing your drawing and storytelling skills.
Watch commercials and films critically, sketch sequences, and try to understand how the visual elements contribute to the overall story.
It’s also beneficial to learn about different art styles and techniques, as well as software commonly used in the industry, such as Adobe Photoshop or Storyboard Pro.
Step 2: Develop Drawing and Visualization Skills
As a commercial storyboard artist, your primary task is to visualize and illustrate the ideas and scripts of directors and other creative professionals.
Therefore, one of the most crucial skills you need to develop is drawing.
You should be proficient in sketching and illustrating various subjects, scenes, and characters quickly and accurately.
Consider taking drawing classes or workshops to hone your skills.
Courses in figure drawing, perspective drawing, and sketching can be especially beneficial.
However, drawing is a skill that improves with practice, so make a habit of drawing every day.
Regularly sketching can help you master the art of capturing emotions, expressions, movements, and details accurately.
Another essential skill to develop is visualization.
As a storyboard artist, you need to be able to convert words from a script into visual scenes.
This includes considering the framing of each shot, the camera angles, and how to best convey the emotional tone of the scene.
This skill often comes from experience, so consider taking up projects or internships that involve storyboarding.
In addition, studying the work of established storyboard artists and filmmakers can help improve your visualization skills.
You can learn how professionals compose shots, portray different emotions, and use visual elements to tell a story.
Analyzing films, commercials, and animations can give you valuable insights into the storytelling techniques used in the industry.
Remember that storyboarding is not just about drawing well; it’s about using your illustrations to tell a story.
Therefore, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with storytelling principles and techniques, such as character development, plot structure, and visual symbolism.
Taking screenwriting or filmmaking classes can be beneficial in this regard.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create storyboards that effectively communicate the vision of the script to the production team, so your drawings and visualization skills should be guided by this objective.
Step 3: Attain Formal Education or Training
While it’s possible to become a commercial storyboard artist without a formal degree, obtaining one can provide crucial knowledge and develop skills needed in this field.
Most professionals in this role have at least a bachelor’s degree in art, design, animation, or a related field.
These programs typically provide a comprehensive understanding of art principles, color theory, layout design, and visual storytelling.
Students will also gain hands-on experience using digital tools and software commonly used in the industry, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Courses on storyboard-specific subjects, such as visual storytelling, cinematography, and character design, can also be extremely beneficial.
Some schools and universities may offer programs or courses specifically focused on storyboarding, which would provide even more targeted knowledge and skills.
In addition to a degree, various workshops and online courses are available to further enhance your skills.
These can be particularly useful for learning the latest industry-standard tools and techniques.
Keep in mind that a strong portfolio is extremely important for a storyboard artist.
Therefore, any formal education or training should emphasize the creation of a robust portfolio that showcases your skills and talents.
Step 4: Familiarize Yourself with Storyboarding Software
As a commercial storyboard artist, one of the essential steps in your career path is becoming proficient in storyboarding software.
While some artists may still prefer to work traditionally with pen and paper, most commercial projects now require knowledge of digital storyboarding tools due to their efficiency and versatility.
Several software options are available in the market, such as Adobe Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, and Sketchbook Pro, among others.
Each software has its unique features and benefits, so you’ll need to identify which one best suits your style and the requirements of your projects.
You can learn these software through online tutorials, courses, or self-study.
Some software providers offer tutorials and guides on their websites, which can be a great starting point.
You can also find numerous online platforms, like Udemy or Coursera, offering comprehensive courses on specific software.
Remember, the aim is not just to learn how to use the software but to become efficient in it.
Practice regularly, take on small projects, and slowly increase the complexity of your work.
This will help you understand the software in-depth and improve your speed and precision, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of commercial storyboarding.
Getting comfortable with storyboarding software will not only make your job easier but also open up more opportunities for you in the industry as digital proficiency is highly valued.
Step 5: Build a Strong Portfolio
Building a powerful portfolio is a critical step towards becoming a successful Commercial Storyboard Artist.
Your portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your skills, creativity, and understanding of visual storytelling.
It will often be the first impression potential employers or clients have of your abilities, so it’s essential to make it count.
Start by including a variety of storyboard samples that highlight your range of skills and styles.
Make sure to include sequences from different genres and mediums, such as television commercials, film, animation, and video games.
Show that you can handle different types of scenes – action, drama, comedy, etc.
Include both black and white and color storyboards to demonstrate your understanding of the impact of color in storytelling.
Also, consider including character designs and sketches to further demonstrate your artistic range.
When assembling your portfolio, consider the presentation.
Whether it’s a physical or digital portfolio, it should be organized and easy to navigate.
You might want to include brief descriptions of each project, outlining your specific role and the project’s goals.
Finally, remember to regularly update your portfolio with new and improved work.
This shows that you’re continually improving and evolving as an artist.
Also, be open to feedback and use it to improve your portfolio and overall skill set.
The quality of your portfolio can significantly impact your career as a Commercial Storyboard Artist, so invest the necessary time and effort into making it the best it can be.
Step 6: Gain Experience through Internships or Freelance Work
As a commercial storyboard artist, it’s essential to gain practical experience in your field.
This can be achieved through internships or freelance work.
Many advertising agencies, animation studios, and film production companies offer internships that can help you learn the ropes of commercial storyboard art.
Internships provide an excellent opportunity to work under the guidance of experienced storyboard artists.
This will allow you to understand the intricacies of the job, learn about the creative process, and learn how to collaborate with directors, writers, and other team members.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects which will help you build a strong portfolio.
Freelance work is another great way to gain experience.
You can take on various freelance projects to develop your skills and versatility as a storyboard artist.
This might involve creating storyboards for short films, commercials, or even music videos.
Freelancing can also help you build a network of contacts in the industry, which can be invaluable when looking for permanent employment.
While building your experience, always make sure to update your portfolio with your best work.
This will be crucial for showcasing your skills and abilities to potential employers.
Remember that the goal of this step is not just to gain experience but to also refine your skills and establish your personal style as a storyboard artist.
This will help you stand out in the competitive field of commercial storyboard art.
Step 7: Master Storytelling and Cinematic Techniques
As a commercial storyboard artist, you will be responsible for visually interpreting the script and conveying the narrative in a way that can be easily understood by directors, cinematographers, and others involved in the production.
Therefore, mastering storytelling and cinematic techniques is crucial to your role.
You need to understand the language of cinema, including camera angles, composition, lighting, and other visual elements that contribute to the overall narrative.
Learning how to depict emotions, mood, and pacing through your drawings is also essential.
Additionally, understanding the principles of story structure will help you create coherent and compelling storyboards.
You should be able to break down a script into individual scenes and shots, and determine the best way to visually present each moment.
This could mean deciding when to use close-ups for emphasis, or wide shots for establishing a scene.
You can develop these skills through self-study, workshops, or formal education in film or animation.
Studying the work of established storyboard artists and filmmakers can also be an excellent way to learn and practice these techniques.
Remember, practice is key.
The more storyboards you create, the better you will become at visual storytelling.
Finally, it’s important to remember that as a commercial storyboard artist, your job isn’t just about creating pretty pictures.
You’re a visual storyteller, and your drawings are a tool to help the production team understand and realize the director’s vision.
Step 8: Network with Industry Professionals
As a commercial storyboard artist, networking with industry professionals is an essential step in progressing your career.
It’s crucial to create connections with directors, producers, animators, other storyboard artists, and even production assistants.
These interactions can lead to opportunities for job assignments, collaborations, and learning experiences.
Begin by attending industry-related events, such as film festivals, animation expos, and art conferences.
At these events, you can meet people in your field and discuss your experiences and aspirations.
Remember to be prepared with a business card and a link to your portfolio to give potential collaborators a chance to see your work.
Joining online communities and forums can also aid in building your network.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and Instagram can be used to follow professionals you admire, share your work, and interact with potential clients or collaborators.
Another beneficial networking strategy is to join professional associations related to storyboarding or animation.
Such organizations often have resources to help their members find jobs and provide opportunities to network at their events or through their online platforms.
Remember, networking is not just about taking, but also giving.
Always look for ways to help others, be it sharing a job posting, providing feedback, or even recommending someone for a job.
This reciprocity helps in building strong professional relationships.
In the end, effective networking can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and learning experiences that would be hard to find otherwise.
Step 9: Stay Informed About Advertising and Film Trends
As a commercial storyboard artist, you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends in both advertising and filmmaking.
This knowledge is essential because it informs your understanding of current market demands and consumer preferences, which can greatly influence your work.
Start by regularly reading trade magazines, blogs, and online forums to understand the latest trends and advancements in the industry.
Attend industry events, film festivals, and seminars where you can learn from the experiences of successful professionals.
Consider joining industry associations which can provide you with networking opportunities as well as resources for continued learning.
You must also watch a variety of commercials and films, both new and old, to understand different storytelling techniques, styles, and aesthetics.
This will not only help improve your technical skills but also inspire your creativity.
Being aware of international trends and styles can also be beneficial, as it can broaden your perspective and bring a unique touch to your work.
Finally, continually educate yourself on the latest software and technology used in storyboard creation.
The industry is constantly evolving, and being proficient in the latest tools can make you more efficient and in-demand.
This might involve taking online courses, attending workshops, or learning from other professionals in the industry.
Step 10: Apply for Positions at Advertising Agencies or Production Studios
After you’ve completed your education, built your portfolio, and gained relevant experience, it’s time to start applying for storyboard artist positions.
Many storyboard artists find work in advertising agencies or production studios, where they create storyboards for commercials and other types of marketing content.
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and demonstrates a wide range of skills, including character design, scene composition, and an understanding of cinematic techniques.
You should also showcase your ability to tell a story visually, as this is one of the key responsibilities of a storyboard artist.
Keep in mind that the job market for storyboard artists can be competitive, so you may need to apply to many different places before you land your first job.
Be persistent and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired right away.
In addition to applying for jobs, you can also network with other professionals in the industry.
Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other storyboard artists on social media.
These connections can lead to job opportunities and provide valuable advice as you start your career.
Finally, remember to be open to constructive criticism and always strive to improve your skills.
The world of advertising and marketing is constantly evolving, so you’ll need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques to succeed as a commercial storyboard artist.
Commercial Storyboard Artist Roles and Responsibilities
Commercial Storyboard Artists use their illustrative skills and storytelling abilities to convey the visual narrative of a commercial or advertisement, from start to finish.
They help to visualize the concept, and assist the director and production team in executing the vision effectively.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Storyboard Creation
- Create and develop conceptual and illustrative storyboards for commercials.
- Sketch out scenes sequentially to represent the narrative visually.
- Incorporate dialogue, sound effects, and camera movements into storyboards.
Visual Storytelling
- Apply principles of visual storytelling to convey the narrative effectively.
- Use a mix of creativity and technical drawing skills to illustrate the story.
- Help in the visualization and planning of camera angles, lighting, and settings.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the director, scriptwriter, and production team to ensure the storyboard aligns with the commercial’s vision and message.
- Present storyboards to stakeholders and incorporate their feedback.
Revision and Improvement
- Revise and modify storyboards based on feedback and changes in the script.
- Iterate quickly on storyboards to keep up with fast-paced production schedules.
Documentation
- Create detailed documentation of the storyboard for reference during production.
- Maintain updated records of the storyboard versions and changes.
Research
- Research setting, period, and cultural elements to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the storyboard.
- Stay up-to-date with trends in commercials and advertising to create innovative and effective storyboards.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with the production team and stakeholders.
- Present and explain storyboards in a clear and engaging manner.
Technical Proficiency
- Use digital drawing tools and software proficiently.
- Stay updated with new tools and technologies in the field of storyboarding and illustration.
Continuous Learning
- Improve and refine drawing and storytelling skills regularly.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and training programs related to storyboarding and visual storytelling.
What Does a Commercial Storyboard Artist Do?
Commercial Storyboard Artists typically work for advertising agencies, production studios or as freelance individuals.
They work closely with directors, producers, and scriptwriters to visually translate scripts into a series of illustrations or images, known as storyboards.
These storyboards provide a frame-by-frame guide for the filming process, highlighting the sequencing, camera angles, and character movements.
Their job is to depict the narrative, the character’s expression, and the overall visual direction of commercials as per the client’s objectives and the creative team’s concept.
They may also be responsible for creating quick initial sketches, known as thumbnails, and then turning these into more detailed and polished drawings.
Additionally, they might have to adjust their storyboards to incorporate changes requested by directors, clients or other members of the production team, ensuring that the final storyboard aligns with the desired vision for the commercial.
Their work plays a crucial role in pre-production as it helps the entire team understand the director’s vision, plan the shooting schedule, and estimate the budget required for the production.
Essential Commercial Storyboard Artist Skills
- Drawing: The fundamental skill of a storyboard artist is the ability to draw. This includes understanding perspective, composition, and lighting.
- Storytelling: A storyboard artist needs to be able to tell a story visually. This requires the ability to convey emotion, pace, and tension through images.
- Communication: Storyboard artists often work with a team of animators, directors, and writers. They need to be able to communicate effectively, both orally and through their drawings, to ensure their vision aligns with that of the team.
- Computer Skills: Many storyboard artists work digitally using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and storyboard-specific software such as Storyboard Pro. It’s essential to be proficient in these programs.
- Cinematography: Understanding of camera angles, shot types, and film grammar is critical for a storyboard artist. They are responsible for visualizing the scenes before they are shot, hence knowing cinematography is essential.
- Creativity: A storyboard artist must be innovative and creative, bringing new ideas and concepts to the table. They need to visualize and illustrate the script in a way that is engaging and effective.
- Time Management: Storyboard artists often work under tight deadlines. It’s crucial that they can manage their time effectively to meet these deadlines without compromising the quality of their work.
- Knowledge of Animation and Motion: As they may need to storyboard animated commercials, understanding of movement and timing is necessary. This includes knowledge of both 2D and 3D animation principles.
- Understanding of Color Theory: Color can heavily influence the mood and tone of a scene. A storyboard artist should understand how to use color to convey certain emotions or atmospheres.
- Attention to Detail: A storyboard is a detailed visual plan of a commercial. Therefore, a keen eye for detail is necessary to ensure that all the elements of the commercial are captured in the storyboard.
Commercial Storyboard Artist Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Junior Storyboard Artist
The journey typically starts as a Junior Storyboard Artist.
Your primary role at this stage is learning and absorbing as much as possible about storyboard creation, character design, and scene layouts.
You may also be tasked with sketching preliminary artwork, assisting senior artists, and making revisions.
Here are some tips for success in this role:
- Constant Learning: Keep an eye on the latest trends and techniques in storyboard creation.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or feedback from experienced colleagues.
- Proactive Contribution: Show initiative by actively participating in project work and taking responsibility for your tasks.
The Ascent: Storyboard Artist
With experience and increased confidence, you’ll progress to the role of a Storyboard Artist.
Your responsibilities will extend to creating complete storyboards, contributing to creative meetings, and collaborating with the director and other team members.
Here’s how to thrive in this stage:
- Enhance Visual Storytelling: Work on your ability to convey complex narratives effectively through visuals.
- Collaboration: Work closely with different teams like scriptwriters and animators and communicate your ideas effectively.
- Quality Focus: Prioritize the creation of clear, comprehensive, and engaging storyboards.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Storyboard Artist
The next advancement is to a Senior Storyboard Artist role.
Here, you’re appreciated for your expertise and you may start leading storyboard projects, guiding junior artists, and making significant creative decisions.
To excel as a Senior Storyboard Artist:
- Mentorship: Offer guidance to junior artists, sharing your knowledge and experience.
- Creative Leadership: Take charge of creative projects and make key decisions to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Problem-solving: Develop innovative solutions for complex visual storytelling challenges.
Beyond the Horizon: Art Director
Further down the line, you may choose to specialize or move into leadership roles, like an Art Director or Creative Director.
These roles involve managing creative teams, making significant strategic decisions, and overseeing multiple projects.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Creative Leadership: Inspire and direct creative teams towards achieving outstanding results.
- Management Skills: Develop your leadership and communication abilities to guide your team effectively.
- Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends and drive innovation in your projects.
Pinnacle of Success: Executive Creative Director
At the pinnacle of the career ladder, you could become an Executive Creative Director, responsible for setting the creative vision of the company, making major decisions, and managing large creative teams.
Commercial Storyboard Artist Salary
Entry-Level Commercial Storyboard Artist
- Median Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Entry-level storyboard artists typically have 0-2 years of experience. They may hold a degree in fine arts, animation, graphic design or similar fields. Their tasks often involve creating basic sketches based on script or concept.
Mid-Level Commercial Storyboard Artist
- Median Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Mid-level storyboard artists usually have 2-5 years of experience. They are responsible for more detailed and complex storyboards, often coordinating with directors or clients to ensure the storyboard aligns with the vision of the project.
Senior Commercial Storyboard Artist
- Median Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
- Senior storyboard artists possess 5+ years of experience. They not only create storyboards but also have a say in story development. They might also be required to mentor junior artists and coordinate with various teams for seamless project execution.
Lead Commercial Storyboard Artist / Storyboard Supervisor
- Median Salary: $110,000 – $150,000+ per year
- These roles require significant experience, strong narrative skills, and leadership qualities. They oversee the entire storyboard department, ensuring all storyboards align with the project’s vision, and often have a significant say in creative decisions.
Art Director / Creative Director
- Median Salary: $130,000 – $200,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience, deep understanding of storytelling and visual communication. They are responsible for guiding the overall creative direction of a project, including the work of storyboard artists.
Commercial Storyboard Artist Work Environment
Commercial Storyboard Artists predominantly work in advertising agencies, film production companies, animation studios, and video game companies.
In some cases, they may also work as freelancers, providing services to various clients from different industries on a project basis.
Their work environment is typically office-based, often requiring them to work closely with directors, writers, and producers in creating visual representations of scripted scenes.
However, with the rise in digital technology, many storyboard artists now have the flexibility to work remotely, using software to create and share their work digitally.
As the work of a Commercial Storyboard Artist is project-based, they often need to work under tight deadlines and may need to adjust their work schedules to meet project demands.
This could sometimes involve working irregular hours, but it also provides the opportunity for a flexible schedule.
After gaining substantial experience and building a strong portfolio, a Commercial Storyboard Artist may choose to establish their own storyboard creation agency or take up teaching assignments in art schools and universities.
FAQs About Becoming a Commercial Storyboard Artist
What is needed to become a commercial storyboard artist?
To become a commercial storyboard artist, you typically need a strong foundation in visual storytelling and art.
This can be achieved through a combination of formal education (such as a bachelor’s degree in illustration, animation, or a related field), self-study, and practical experience.
Key skills include proficiency in drawing, understanding of composition and perspective, knowledge of color theory, and storytelling abilities.
Additionally, you should be familiar with digital tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are also important, as you’ll need to work closely with directors and other team members.
How long does it take to be a commercial storyboard artist?
The time it takes to become a commercial storyboard artist can vary depending on your educational path and experience level.
If you pursue a traditional bachelor’s degree in art, animation, or a related field, it typically takes four years.
However, if you are self-taught or take accelerated art or animation programs, you might be able to enter the field in a shorter time frame.
Building a strong portfolio of work, gaining practical experience through internships or personal projects, and networking within the industry can also help you become job-ready faster.
Can I be a commercial storyboard artist without a degree?
Yes, it is possible to become a commercial storyboard artist without a traditional four-year degree.
Many employers prioritize skills and practical experience over formal education.
You can acquire the necessary skills through self-study, online courses, or community art programs.
Building a strong portfolio to showcase your storytelling abilities and drawing skills, and networking within the industry can also enhance your prospects.
However, having a degree may provide a competitive edge and open up more opportunities.
Is being a commercial storyboard artist a stressful job?
Being a commercial storyboard artist can be stressful at times, as it often involves tight deadlines and the need to make revisions based on feedback from directors or clients.
However, the level of stress can vary depending on the company, the specific project, and the individual’s time management skills and coping strategies.
Many storyboard artists find the work to be creatively fulfilling and enjoy the opportunity to influence the visual direction of commercials.
What are the prospects for commercial storyboard artists in the next decade?
The prospects for commercial storyboard artists are promising in the next decade.
With the rise of digital media and online advertising, there is a growing demand for skilled storyboard artists in the commercial industry.
In addition, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies offer new opportunities for visual storytelling.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Beginning your journey to become a commercial storyboard artist is not a walk in the park, but it’s undeniably fulfilling.
Equipped with the right artistic skills, education, and persistence, you’re on the right track to making a significant imprint in the world of visual storytelling.
Keep in mind, the journey may be rigorous, but the possibilities are endless. Your creative ideas could lead to the next compelling narrative that changes how we perceive stories, connect, and engage.
So, take that first stroke. Immerse yourself in learning. Connect with industry professionals. And most importantly, never stop drawing.
Because the world is awaiting your unique vision.
And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on starting or advancing your career as a commercial storyboard artist, explore our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is designed to provide tailored advice and resources to help you effectively navigate your career path.
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