Music Video Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the vibrant world of music and entertainment, the role of music video storyboard artists shines with great prominence.

As visual storytelling evolves, the demand for creative minds skilled at crafting, refining, and bringing to life the narratives of music videos amplifies.

So, what exactly is expected from a music video storyboard artist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager picturing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of storyboard creation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable music video storyboard artist job description template, designed for hassle-free posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Music Video Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Music Video Storyboard Artists are crucial to the video production process, creating visual illustrations to map out scenes and help directors, production crews, and clients envision the finished product.

They utilize their creative skills, a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of narrative to assist in visual storytelling.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting scripts, song lyrics, and directorial notes to understand the narrative and thematic goals of the music video
• Creating detailed and expressive storyboards that depict the narrative, character emotions, camera movements, and key frames of the music video
• Presenting storyboards to the director, production team, and/or clients and making revisions based on their feedback
• Collaborating with directors and cinematographers to understand and plan the visual sequence of the music video
• Working closely with the production designer and set decorator to establish the visual style and mood of the video
• Using digital software or traditional drawing methods to create storyboard panels
• Using knowledge of music, rhythm, and pacing to plan sequences that align with the beat and mood of the song
• Ensuring storyboards reflect continuity, pacing, and timing in line with the musical score
• Providing a visual guide for scheduling, budgeting, and logistics of shoots

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a creative and dedicated Music Video Storyboard Artist to collaborate with our video production team.

Your responsibilities will include creating visual storyboards that depict the narrative, characters, and action for music videos.

Our ideal candidate has a keen understanding of cinematography, composition, and pacing, and is able to translate these concepts into engaging and expressive visuals.

Proficiency in drawing software, excellent communication skills, and a passion for music and storytelling are vital for this role.

Ultimately, the role of the Music Video Storyboard Artist is to visually interpret the director’s vision, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative that aligns with the musical piece.

 

Responsibilities

• Create detailed and expressive storyboards for music videos
• Work closely with directors and producers to understand the vision and style of the project
• Present and explain storyboards to the production team
• Revise, edit and modify sketches based on feedback from the director
• Ensure continuity and consistency across all frames
• Understand and utilize the principles of cinematography and visual storytelling
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a storyboard artist, preferably in the music industry
• Strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skills and storytelling ability
• Proficiency in drawing software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Storyboard Pro
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work well in a team and accept constructive feedback
• Degree in Art, Design, Animation, Film, or a related field is preferred
• Understanding of cinematic techniques, visual language, and pacing

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity to work with creative individuals in the music industry
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Music Video Storyboard Artist
• Work Environment: Creative studio setting. Some remote work may be possible. Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Video Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 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, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Music Video Storyboard Artist Do?

Music Video Storyboard Artists are visual artists who work closely with directors, producers, and cinematographers in the music industry.

Their primary role is to create a visual representation, or storyboard, of the narrative that will be shown in a music video.

They sketch scenes frame by frame, detailing each scene’s actions, characters, and camera angles.

This helps the director and the entire production team understand the vision of the video, making the filming process more efficient.

Storyboard artists play a crucial role in establishing the mood and style of the music video.

This could range from creating fantastical, animated visuals to sketching realistic, human scenarios, depending on the song and the artist’s vision.

They also assist in identifying potential challenges or issues that might arise during filming, such as complex camera movements or special effects.

By illustrating these elements ahead of time, storyboard artists help the production team prepare for and overcome these obstacles.

In addition, they often participate in production meetings to discuss their storyboards, make necessary revisions, and ensure that the visuals align with the director’s vision and the overall theme of the song.

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Music Video Storyboard Artist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Creative imagination to conceptualize and visualize the music video script in an engaging and compelling way.
• Strong sketching and drawing abilities to create detailed and accurate storyboards that depict each scene of the music video.
• Excellent understanding of visual storytelling, cinematography and editing to ensure the storyboard aligns with the director’s vision and the music’s rhythm and mood.
• Good communication skills to collaborate with the director, producers, and other creative team members, and to present and explain the storyboard effectively.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and make revisions according to feedback from the director and production team.
• Understanding of animation, special effects, and other video production techniques to depict complex scenes effectively on the storyboard.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and software for storyboarding, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Storyboard Pro.
• Attention to detail to ensure each storyboard frame captures the necessary action, emotion, and scene transition to guide the production team.

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Experience Requirements

Music Video Storyboard Artists often have a background in a relevant field such as fine arts, graphic design, or animation.

In order to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, they typically attend an accredited art or design school.

Entry-level Storyboard Artists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in the music or entertainment industry.

They may also gain experience through participation in art exhibitions, freelance work, or working on student films and videos.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to visually interpret different music genres and narratives.

They may have further developed their skills in roles such as Illustrator, Animation Artist, or Graphic Designer.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have a deep understanding of the music video production process and are skilled at working closely with directors and other production staff.

They may also have leadership experience, overseeing junior artists or coordinating with production teams, and could be ready for a senior or supervisory role.

In addition to practical experience, Music Video Storyboard Artists also require strong listening skills to fully understand the themes and messages of the music they’re working with.

They also need excellent visual and artistic skills to depict these concepts effectively.

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Education and Training Requirements

Music Video Storyboard Artists typically need a bachelor’s degree in art, design, animation, or a related field.

They should have a strong background in visual arts, with an emphasis on drawing and illustrating.

Knowledge of film production and storytelling techniques is also beneficial as storyboard artists are responsible for translating the director’s vision into images.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or further education in fields like animation or film studies.

Music Video Storyboard Artists may also benefit from courses or workshops in cinematography and visual storytelling, which could help them better understand the process of transforming a script into a sequence of images.

Although not mandatory, obtaining a professional certification from a recognized art or design institution can significantly enhance a candidate’s professional credibility.

Practical experience is equally important; hence, many aspiring storyboard artists start their careers with internships or apprenticeships under experienced artists.

Having a master’s degree, certification, or extensive work portfolio can indicate a candidate’s dedication to their craft and their potential for creating engaging and visually compelling music videos.

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Music Video Storyboard Artist is approximately $63,000 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation might vary based on factors such as level of experience, the complexity of the project, geographical location, and the budget of the music video production.

 

Music Video Storyboard Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Music Video Storyboard Artist need?

Music Video Storyboard Artists should have excellent drawing skills, with the ability to create scenes, characters, and environments.

They should have strong visual storytelling abilities, being able to convey complex narratives and emotions through static images.

Understanding of cinematography, such as lighting, composition, and camera angles, is critical.

They should also have good communication skills to effectively collaborate with directors and other team members.

 

Do Music Video Storyboard Artists need a degree?

While a degree is not a strict requirement, many Music Video Storyboard Artists have a bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or a related field.

It is essential, however, that they have a strong portfolio demonstrating their drawing and storytelling abilities.

Some artists may also take specialized storyboard courses to enhance their skills.

 

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

A Music Video Storyboard Artist’s portfolio should demonstrate their ability to create dynamic, engaging visual narratives.

Look for a variety of work that shows their skill in character design, scene composition, and visual storytelling.

It’s also important to see examples of their work in music videos, as this medium has specific demands and challenges.

 

What qualities make a good Music Video Storyboard Artist?

A good Music Video Storyboard Artist is creative and imaginative, able to bring unique ideas to each project.

They need to be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, as music video production schedules can be demanding.

They should also be team players, capable of receiving feedback and collaborating effectively with directors, producers, and other artists.

 

What is the role of a Music Video Storyboard Artist in the production process?

A Music Video Storyboard Artist plays a crucial role in pre-production.

They create a series of drawings that represent the shot sequence of the music video, effectively visualizing the director’s vision.

These storyboards serve as a guide for the production team during filming, helping to ensure that all scenes are shot according to plan.

This not only assists in visualizing the final product but also helps in estimating the budget and schedule.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a revealing look at what it actually means to be a music video storyboard artist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about drawing pictures.

It’s about painting the vision for compelling stories, one sketch at a time.

With our go-to music video storyboard artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to get started.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-tailored job listings or sculpting your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Each sketch is part of a larger narrative.

Let’s bring those stories to life. Together.

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