What is a Story Artist Job?
If you're interested in animation, film, or television, you might have heard of a story artist job. This position is a unique blend of creativity and technical skill. Story artists are responsible for creating visual narratives that form the basis for animated films and television shows. They use their artistic abilities to translate scripts into storyboards, which are then used as a blueprint for the production team.
A story artist's job is to bring the written story to life. They create visual representations of the script that serve as a guide for animators, directors, and other members of the production team. Story artists are responsible for the look and feel of a project, and their work can have a significant impact on the final product.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Story artists typically work in the pre-production phase of a project. They are responsible for creating storyboards, which are a series of drawings that depict the major events of a story. Storyboards show the camera angles, character poses, and other visual details necessary to tell the story.
Once the storyboards are complete, story artists work with the director and other members of the production team to make revisions and refine the visual narrative. Story artists may also be responsible for creating concept art, character designs, and other visual elements that help bring the story to life.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Drawing skills: Story artists need to have excellent drawing skills to create detailed and expressive storyboards.
- Creativity: Story artists must be able to come up with original ideas and solutions to visual storytelling challenges.
- Communication skills: Story artists must be able to communicate their ideas and collaborate effectively with other members of the production team.
- Time management: Story artists must be able to work efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
- Technical skills: Story artists must be proficient in using software tools such as Photoshop, Sketchbook, and Storyboard Pro.
How to Become This Type of Specialist?
To become a story artist, you will need to have a strong background in art. Most story artists have a degree in art, animation, or a related field. You will also need to develop your drawing skills, as well as your ability to create compelling visual narratives.
In addition to a strong artistic background, you will also need to be proficient in the software tools used in the animation industry. Programs such as Photoshop, Sketchbook, and Storyboard Pro are commonly used by story artists.
Networking is also essential in the animation industry. Attend industry events and connect with other artists and professionals in the field. Building relationships with other professionals can help you find job opportunities and advance your career.
Average Salary
The average salary for a story artist varies depending on experience, location, and the type of project. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a story artist in the United States is around $72,000 per year.
Roles and Types
There are several different roles and types of story artists in the animation industry. Some story artists focus on creating storyboards for feature films, while others work on television shows or commercials. Some may specialize in character design, while others focus on creating backgrounds and environments.
Other titles you might see in this field include visual development artist, storyboard revisionist, and pre-visualization artist. Each of these roles requires a unique set of skills and expertise, but all are focused on creating visual narratives for animation projects.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
The animation industry is centered in California, with Los Angeles and San Francisco being the top cities for animation jobs. Other popular locations for animation jobs include New York, Texas, and Florida.
What Are the Typical Tools?
Story artists use a variety of tools in their work. Some of the most common software tools used by story artists include Photoshop, Sketchbook, and Storyboard Pro. Traditional art supplies such as pencils, pens, and paper are also used to create storyboards and other visual elements.
In Conclusion
If you're interested in a career in animation and have a passion for storytelling, a story artist job may be the perfect fit for you. This position requires a unique blend of artistic talent, technical skill, and creativity. With a strong background in art and the right software tools, you can develop the skills necessary to bring stories to life in the exciting world of animation.