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Storyboard Artist

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Storyboard artists create visual stories for films, TV, and games. They translate scripts into sequential drawings, guiding production's visual style and pacing.

Average Salary

₹4,50,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

high

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Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Storyboard Artist

To become a storyboard artist in India, a combination of formal education, skill development, and practical experience is typically required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    • A bachelor's degree in animation, film making, fine arts, or a related field is highly recommended. Courses in visual storytelling, character design, and cinematography are particularly beneficial.
  • Diploma Courses:
    • Several diploma courses in animation and visual effects offer specialized training in storyboarding. These courses often provide hands-on experience and industry-specific skills.
  • Essential Skills:
    • Drawing Skills: Strong drawing and sketching abilities are fundamental. Practice figure drawing, perspective, and composition.
    • Visual Storytelling: Understand how to convey narratives visually through panels and sequences.
    • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with storyboarding software like Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and Clip Studio Paint is essential.
    • Cinematography Basics: Knowledge of camera angles, shot types, and scene composition is crucial for effective storyboarding.
  • Portfolio Development:
    • Create a strong portfolio showcasing your best storyboard work. Include a variety of projects demonstrating your ability to tell stories across different genres and styles.
  • Continuous Learning:
    • Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops, and participate in online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Networking:
    • Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals in the animation and film industry to learn about opportunities and gain insights.
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a career as a storyboard artist in India, several top colleges and institutes offer excellent programs in animation, fine arts, and design. Here are some of the best options:

  • National Institute of Design (NID):
    • Location: Ahmedabad and other campuses
    • Courses: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) in various specializations including Animation Film Design.
    • Why: NID is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and industry-focused approach.
  • Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay:
    • Location: Mumbai
    • Courses: Master of Design (M.Des) in Interaction Design, Animation, and Visual Communication.
    • Why: IDC offers a blend of technical and creative education, ideal for aspiring storyboard artists.
  • Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC):
    • Location: Multiple centers across India
    • Courses: Various diploma and degree programs in animation and visual effects.
    • Why: MAAC provides industry-specific training and has a strong placement record.
  • Arena Animation:
    • Location: Multiple centers across India
    • Courses: Diploma programs in animation, VFX, and multimedia.
    • Why: Arena Animation focuses on practical skills and offers courses tailored to industry needs.
  • Whistling Woods International:
    • Location: Mumbai
    • Courses: Degree and diploma programs in animation and filmmaking.
    • Why: Whistling Woods offers a comprehensive education with state-of-the-art facilities and industry connections.

These institutions provide a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a storyboard artist. Research each college's specific offerings and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals.

Fees

The fee structure for courses related to becoming a storyboard artist in India varies widely depending on the type of institution, course level, and location. Here’s a general overview:

  • Government Colleges:
    • Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Courses: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per year. These include Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and related programs.
    • Postgraduate (Master's) Courses: ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per year. These include Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and specialized design programs.
  • Private Colleges:
    • Diploma Courses: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year. These are typically shorter, specialized programs.
    • Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Courses: ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per year. These include B.Sc. Animation and B.Des programs.
    • Postgraduate (Master's) Courses: ₹1,50,000 to ₹6,00,000 per year. These include M.Sc. Animation and M.Des programs.
  • Private Institutes:
    • Short-term Courses: ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 for courses lasting a few months.
    • Full-fledged Programs: ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year, offering comprehensive training.

These figures are approximate and can vary. It’s essential to check the specific fee structure of the colleges or institutes you are interested in. Additionally, some institutions may offer scholarships or financial aid to deserving students.

Related Exams

To become a storyboard artist, specific entrance exams are not typically required, as this career path relies more on portfolio quality and skill demonstration. However, if you aim to pursue formal education in animation, fine arts, or film making, several entrance exams can help you get into top colleges in India.

  • National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam:
    • NID offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, including animation. The entrance exam assesses drawing skills, visual aptitude, and creative thinking.
  • Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED):
    • CEED is for postgraduate design programs and evaluates candidates' analytical and problem-solving abilities, visual perception, and design aptitude.
  • All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) Exam:
    • AIFACS conducts exams for fine arts courses, testing drawing, painting, and sculpting skills.
  • Private College Entrance Exams:
    • Many private animation and design colleges conduct their own entrance exams to assess candidates' suitability for their programs. These exams often include drawing tests, portfolio reviews, and interviews.

While these exams are not directly for storyboarding, excelling in them can open doors to quality education, which in turn enhances your storyboarding skills. Focus on building a strong portfolio and continuously improving your drawing and visual storytelling abilities.

Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. High demand in animation and film industries.
  2. Opportunity for creative expression.
  3. Potential for high earning.
  4. Work on diverse and exciting projects.
  5. Chance to collaborate with talented teams.
  6. Continuous learning and growth.
  7. Flexible work hours possible.
  8. Recognition for creative contributions.
  9. Opportunity to work internationally.
  10. Develop strong visual storytelling skills.

Cons

  1. Competitive job market.
  2. Tight deadlines and pressure.
  3. Freelance work can be unstable.
  4. Long hours may be required.
  5. Revisions and feedback can be challenging.
  6. Requires constant skill improvement.
  7. Can be project-dependent.
  8. Initial low pay is possible.
  9. Risk of creative burnout.
  10. Limited job security at times.