Storyboard Assistant - Career Profile

What does a Storyboard Assistant do? Where does a Storyboard Assistant work? ACR takes a look:

About Storyboard Assistants

Although the future looks bright for employment in the animation industry, the field is still extremely competitive. Oftentimes, aspiring animators must take an entry-level position in the industry to get their foot in the door and gain experience. Becoming a storyboard assistant is one way to accomplish both.

Storyboard Assistant Jobs

Storyboard assistants wear many hats. The tasks involved in the job will vary greatly depending on the production and the storyboard artist’s process. In general, storyboard assistants clean up the storyboard artist’s drawings in preparation for the next stage of production. They add additional characters if needed, fill in background details, or scan drawings as needed prior to editing. Storyboard assistants may work in-house with storyboard artists, freelance, or they might work with artists that live overseas. 

Storyboard assistants work for animation companies, animation production studios, film and video production companies, gaming companies, and advertising agencies.

Storyboard Assistant Salaries  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report salaries for storyboard assistants. It does report salaries for fine artists. According to the Bureau, median annual wages of salaried fine artists were $44,850 as of May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned $19,190 and the highest 10 percent earned $89,720. It is important to keep in mind that assistant positions are entry-level positions and may pay less than average salaries for fine artists.

Becoming a Storyboard Assistant

Storyboard assistants typically have a degree in fine art, animation, film, illustration, graphic design, drawing or painting. Most employers prefer a degree, plus experience either through internship or other support position. However, if the applicant has an outstanding portfolio and demonstrated storytelling and film theory skills, this might be enough to secure an assistant position.

Job Trends for Storyboard Assistants

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for fine artists is expected to average nine percent for the 2008-2018 decade. In 2008, the workforce was 23,600 strong. By 2018, this figure is expected to increase to 25,700. The demand for storyboard assistants with advanced computer skills and advanced knowledge of the latest software programs used in the industry will have the most opportunities in the field.