How Much Do Storyboard Artists Make? An Overview of Salaries and Job Outlook

Introduction

Storyboard artists are responsible for creating visual representations of stories and ideas. They work closely with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to create visuals that can be used in the production process. Storyboard artists typically create illustrations, sketches, or other visual elements that help to bring a story or concept to life. This article will explore how much do storyboard artists make, including factors that contribute to their salaries and job outlook for the industry.

Factors That Determine How Much Storyboard Artists Make

There are several factors that go into determining how much a storyboard artist makes. These include job experience, location, industry, and education.

Job Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors in determining a storyboard artist’s salary. The more experience a storyboard artist has, the more they can command in terms of salary. According to a survey conducted by Animation Mentor, storyboard artists with more than 10 years of experience make an average of $84,000 per year. On the other hand, those with less than five years of experience make an average of just over $50,000 per year.

Location

Location also plays a role in how much a storyboard artist can make. For instance, storyboard artists in Los Angeles tend to make more than those in other cities due to the higher cost of living in the area. A survey conducted by Glassdoor found that the average salary for a storyboard artist in Los Angeles was around $85,000 per year.

Industry

The industry a storyboard artist works in can also affect their salary. For example, storyboard artists who work in the animation industry tend to make more than those who work in television, video game, or film production. According to the Animation World Network, the average annual salary for a storyboard artist working in the animation industry is $75,000.

Education

Finally, educational background can have an impact on a storyboard artist’s salary. Those with a degree in fine arts or animation may be able to command higher salaries than those without such qualifications. Additionally, having a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers can also increase a storyboard artist’s earning potential.

Average Income of Storyboard Artists

Now that we’ve looked at the factors that determine how much storyboard artists make, let’s take a closer look at the average income of storyboard artists.

National Averages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for storyboard artists in the United States is $62,000 per year. However, this number can fluctuate depending on experience, location, and industry.

Regional Averages

In addition to the national averages, there are also regional differences in the salaries of storyboard artists. For example, the average salary for a storyboard artist in California is $80,000, while the average salary in New York is $70,000.

Job Outlook for Storyboard Artists

The job outlook for storyboard artists is positive. The demand for storyboard artists is expected to grow in the coming years, as the entertainment industry continues to expand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for storyboard artists is 4%, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 3%.

Growth of the Industry

The entertainment industry is growing rapidly, and this is creating more opportunities for storyboard artists. As the industry continues to expand, more companies are looking for talented storyboard artists to help bring their stories to life.

Types of Jobs Available

In addition to traditional storyboard artist jobs, there are also other types of jobs available in the entertainment industry. These include illustration, concept art, and character design. These types of jobs often involve a combination of drawing and writing skills, and they can be highly lucrative.

Becoming a Professional Storyboard Artist

If you’re interested in becoming a professional storyboard artist, there are a few steps you can take to get started.

Education Requirements

The first step is to get the necessary education. Most storyboard artists have a degree in fine arts or animation. Having a degree in one of these fields can give you an edge when it comes to finding work. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed an internship or apprenticeship program.

Finding Work

Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start looking for work. There are a variety of ways to find work as a storyboard artist, including online job boards, networking, and freelance sites. Additionally, you can reach out to industry contacts to see if they know of any open positions.

Tips for Negotiating Higher Pay as a Storyboard Artist

Once you’ve found a job as a storyboard artist, you may want to negotiate for a higher salary. Here are a few tips to help you get the best possible salary.

Networking

Networking is key when it comes to negotiating a higher salary. Building relationships with people in the industry can help you get your foot in the door and can also give you leverage when it comes to negotiating a higher salary.

Presenting Yourself Professionally

When negotiating a higher salary, it’s important to present yourself professionally. Be sure to dress nicely and come prepared with questions and examples of your work. This will show potential employers that you take your job seriously and are worth the extra money.

Negotiating Strategies

When negotiating a higher salary, it’s important to remember that you are in control. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and be prepared to walk away if you don’t get it. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for other forms of compensation, such as paid time off or flexible working hours.

Exploring Different Types of Storyboarding Jobs and their Salaries

There are many different types of storyboarding jobs available, each with its own salary range. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of storyboarding jobs and their salaries.

Animation

Animation is one of the most popular types of storyboarding jobs. The average salary for an animator is $70,000 per year. Animators typically work on projects such as feature films, television shows, and video games.

Television

Storyboard artists who specialize in television can make an average of $60,000 per year. Television storyboard artists typically work on sitcoms, dramas, and other types of television programs.

Video Games

Storyboard artists who specialize in video games can make an average of $65,000 per year. Video game storyboard artists are responsible for creating visuals that help bring a game to life.

Movies

Movie storyboard artists can make an average of $75,000 per year. Movie storyboard artists are responsible for creating visuals that help bring a movie to life.

Conclusion

Storyboard artists play an important role in the entertainment industry, and their salaries reflect this. The average salary for a storyboard artist is $62,000 per year, although this can vary depending on a variety of factors. Additionally, the job outlook for storyboard artists is positive, as the demand for their services is expected to continue to grow. To become a professional storyboard artist, it’s important to have the necessary education and experience, as well as to build relationships with people in the industry. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary if you feel you deserve it.