◆ Animation & VFX

What a storyboard artist
really does.

20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.

20evidenced tasks
4,580in the US (2025)
$46,080median pay / year
8systems it runs on
See the 20 tasks ↓Open in the atlasThe full career map →
This is what one task looks like here
Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
Sketch three quick concept drawings of the prop tableware set—fork, pl…2 sources agree

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The work, task by task

20 tasks
Hands on the work14
Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.+
Sketch three quick concept drawings of the prop tableware set—fork, plate, goblet—at three scales and two viewpoint angles each, label materials and rough fabrication notes so the shop can cut patterns tomorrow.
jdonet2 agree
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Promote and advertise their work+
Write and schedule a two-week social campaign showcasing ten finished storyboard panels, with captions stating commission availability, pricing tiers, and a contact for commissions, then prepare three square images sized for image feed.
jdonet2 agree
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Select materials based on color, texture, and strength+
Compare swatches for the hero costume: note exact Pantone-like hues, tactile description, and tensile strength for each fabric option, then recommend the two that balance camera color and on-set durability.
jdonet2 agree
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Apply finishes to crafted objects+
Outline the finishing sequence for three prop surfaces—matte painted wood, aged metal, gloss ceramic—listing solvents, abrasives, drying times, and one safety note for each before the shop begins finishing on Monday.
jdonet2 agree
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Create designs using specialized computer software+
Create a set of five cleaned vector panels for sequence A, export layered artwork that separates characters, background, and camera guides, and include a notes page with scene timings and camera moves.
jdonet2 agree
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Pack products for shipping.+
Pack the ten prototype kits for overnight courier: double-wrap fragile items, include invoice and return label, record serial numbers and packing photos, and mark the outer box with the agreed courier account number before noon.
onet
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Shape, join, or cut materials for final products+
Cut and join the prototype board pieces to final dimensions, show two join methods with strength and cost notes, and prepare one finished sample ready for photography by Friday afternoon.
jd
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Create sketches, templates, or models to guide work+
Produce three sketch sets and one full-size template for the new collection, include fabric and trim specs, sequence of construction, and a quick cost-per-unit estimate so production can start next Wednesday.
jd
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed. Helpful?
Grow the practice3
Watch and assess2
Keep it safe1

What the work runs on

named inside the evidenced tasks
8 tasksWeb browserresearches venues, reviews, and market data across sites and social mentions
5 tasksspecialized computerused for creating and refining drawn concept sketches and exporting pattern notes for fabrication
5 tasksSales managementschedules client meetings, records budget and delivery constraints, and tracks agreed deliverables
4 tasksPattern designorganises fabric swatches with color and construction notes to guide costume choice
3 tasksSmugMug Flickrhosts and presents high-quality image galleries and creates shareable image assets for promotion
1 taskTwitterschedules short promotional posts and links to the gallery
1 taskJohn Hesselberth and Ron Roy GlazeMasterdocuments glazing and finishing steps for surfaces and records drying and safety instructions
1 taskSmugMugto publish and share a polished online portfolio with galleries and clients
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The same task, four heights

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ExecuteDo today's task, with fewer mistakesyou are here → ImproveMake it easy for the next person to acceptin the atlas → DecideWork out the right move when it is unclearin the atlas → BecomeLearn the pattern so it stops coming backin the atlas →

Can AI actually do this job?

the honest answer

It can

where it genuinely helps
  • Explain the theory behind the work
  • Draft, tidy and structure your writing
  • Rehearse a hard conversation before you have it
  • Build a study plan that fits your gaps

It cannot

where it stops, completely
  • Be in the room where a storyboard artist actually works
  • Carry the responsibility when the call is wrong — that weight stays yours
  • Notice what no one wrote down: the hesitation, the thing left unsaid
  • Live with the outcome
M · R6 of R7This job sits on doodling · drawing · illustrating · sketching — real theory, real diagnosis, but reality still holds the grading pen.

What the work pays

two countries, two different measures

United States

this exact occupation · BLS 2025
  • $46,080 a year — the middle: half earn more, half earn less
  • The lowest tenth earn near $25,960; the top tenth near $71,990
  • 4,580 people employed in this occupation

Where the evidence lives

open any of it yourself
O*NETThe US Department of Labor's own record of this job9 of these tasks ESCOThe European skills and occupations register4 of these tasks Job descriptionsReal postings, in the wild14 of these tasks US Bureau of Labor StatisticsPay and employment, by occupation2025 figures UK NOS PROFFI403Contribute to the production of 2D and 3D prototypes, models, mock-upsnational standard UK NOS CCSCR13Select and use techniques, materials, tools and equipment for craftnational standard

Close to this work

12 nearby
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Questions people actually ask

You sketch sequences of images that show action, camera angles, and timing — like a comic version of a film. Many days are drawing: quick thumbnails, tighter panels, and notes for motion and dialogue.

You also meet directors or clients to assess needs, tweak samples, build a portfolio, and sometimes use specialized computer software (storyboard apps or a web browser to share files). Deadlines and revisions set the pace more than long uninterrupted drawing sessions.

They use specialized computer software for drawing and layout plus web browsers to share work. Common tools are storyboard apps, Photoshop, or Clip Studio for panels and timing.

For presentation and portfolio they use sites like SmugMug or Flickr, and social platforms like Twitter to promote and advertise work and find clients or collaborators. Learn both drawing and basic web upload/sharing.

Make a focused portfolio showing sequential storytelling — several short sequences (8–20 panels) that show camera moves, cuts, and clear composition. Include both thumbnail versions and finished frames.

Display work on SmugMug or Flickr and promote via Twitter. Keep it updated, show range (action, dialogue, commercials), and include a short project description with your role and any software used.

You can use AI for rough concepting or to generate background ideas, but clients expect you to control composition, pacing, and final art. Treat AI as an assistant, not the final artist.

Be transparent about AI use if a client asks. Keep original sketches and editable files from your specialized computer software so you can refine poses, camera framing, and timing by hand or with traditional digital tools.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2025 there were about 4,580 employed storyboard artists with a median wage of $46,080 per year. The lowest tenth earned $25,960 and the top tenth $71,990.

Pay varies a lot by industry, experience, and whether you freelance or work staff. Animation, commercials, or feature films and strong portfolios typically pay more.

A storyboard artist focuses on sequencing: shots, camera angles, and continuity over time. A concept artist designs single images or characters; they focus on look and mood rather than timing.

A director decides the overall creative vision and makes final calls about performance and pacing. Storyboard artists translate the director’s choices into visual plans used by the crew.

Learn to tell a story with clear, readable thumbnails fast: composition, camera framing, and visual continuity. Practice drawing quick sequences showing motion and eye-lines.

Also learn one or two specialized computer tools for digital storyboards and how to upload/share on SmugMug or Flickr and promote on Twitter. Those two skills—storytelling speed and file-sharing—get you hired.

km/h RPM

How far can AI take you?

one question
Be honest — how far can a language model take you on drawing?
There is a real answer, and it is not the flattering one.