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Story Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Skydance Animation, we are seeking experienced Story Artists in a f reelance or full-time capacity to join our team across upcoming feature film productions. In this role, you will play a critical ...

The Native Artist will be well-versed in the Native Arts and willing to tell stories relevant to the art being created and share cultural significance, knowledge and talent with others. The artist ...

AI Artist

New York, NY

$70K - $110K/yr

... stories are told. We partner with global brands, artists, and studios to create world-class ... campaigns, films, and experiences that merge cinematic craft with cutting-edge AI technology.

We are especially interested in arts educators with experience in interdisciplinary arts instruction, social activism, playwriting/storytelling and working with communities of various backgrounds.

We are especially interested in arts educators with experience in interdisciplinary arts instruction, social activism, playwriting/storytelling and working with communities of various backgrounds.

AI Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

... stories are told. We partner with global brands, artists, and studios to create world-class ... campaigns, films, and experiences that merge cinematic craft with cutting-edge AI technology.

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and ...

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and ...

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Story Artist information

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$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do story artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for story artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are story artists?

Story artists are creative professionals who visualize scripts, concepts, or ideas into a sequence of drawings known as storyboards. They work closely with directors, writers, and animators to map out how the story will unfold visually, helping to plan camera angles, character actions, and scene transitions. Story artists play a crucial role in animation, film, and video game production by ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly and effectively before production begins. Their work serves as a blueprint for the entire creative team.

How do Story Artists typically collaborate with directors and other departments during a production?

Story Artists work closely with directors to translate scripts into visual sequences, often participating in story meetings to refine narrative and pacing. They also interact with writers, editors, and other artists to ensure their storyboards align with the overall vision. Collaboration often involves receiving feedback and making revisions, as well as communicating ideas clearly to departments like layout, animation, and design. This teamwork is essential for maintaining consistency and achieving the creative goals of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Story Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Story Artist, you need strong drawing skills, storytelling ability, and a solid understanding of cinematic language, often supported by a degree in animation, illustration, or a related field. Proficiency with digital art tools like Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, and familiarity with animation pipelines is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and the ability to accept and apply feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for visually communicating narrative ideas, contributing to cohesive storytelling, and working effectively within production teams.

What is the difference between Story Artist vs Character Designer?

AspectStory ArtistCharacter Designer
Required SkillsStorytelling, sketching, visual storytelling, understanding of narrative flowCharacter drawing, design, anatomy, personality development
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, film production, story development teamsAnimation studios, character design departments, concept art teams
Industry UsageCreates storyboards to visualize scenes and sequencesDesigns characters for animation, film, and games

While both roles are integral to animation and film production, a Story Artist focuses on visual storytelling through storyboards, illustrating scenes and narrative flow. A Character Designer specializes in creating and developing characters' appearances and personalities. Both roles require artistic skills, but their focus areas differ, with Story Artists emphasizing storytelling and scene visualization, and Character Designers concentrating on character creation and design.

More about Story Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Story Artist jobs? Cities with the most Story Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Story Artist jobs? The most popular types of Story Artist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Story Artist jobs? The top employers for Story Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Story Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Story Artist jobs include:
Story Artist

Story Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

At Skydance Animation, we are seeking experienced Story Artists in a freelance or full-time capacity to join our team across upcoming feature film productions. In this role, you will play a critical part in bringing stories to life by translating scripts, ideas, and character-driven moments into compelling visual storytelling. Through dynamic staging, cinematic composition, expressive acting, and strong pacing, you will help shape the emotional and narrative direction of the film from early development through production.

Working closely with Director(s), the Head of Story, the story team, and fellow creatives, the Story Artist will develop entertaining and emotionally resonant storyboard sequences that support the overall creative vision of the film. The ideal candidate is a strong visual storyteller with a deep understanding of character performance, filmmaking language, and story structure, as well as the ability to expand loose concepts into fully realized scenes that balance humor, emotion, and action.

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to be located with in the greater Los Angeles area. 

Responsibilities
  • Create storyboard sequences that effectively execute story, character, emotional, comedic, and cinematic objectives through strong visual storytelling and performance
  • Meet with Directors, Head of Story, and creative supervisors to discuss storyboard objectives, sequence intent, and overall storytelling goals for the film
  • Translate scripts, outlines, and creative direction into clear and engaging storyboard panels that support pacing, staging, composition, camera language, and continuity
  • Collaborate closely with creative leadership and Editorial to refine sequences through multiple rounds of feedback and iteration
  • Demonstrate proficiency in creative tools such as Photoshop or Storyboard Pro, including timeline management, camera motion, dialogue placement, and sequence organization
  • Maintain consistency with the visual style, tone, and storytelling quality established for the production
  • Pitch storyboard sequences clearly and effectively to Directors, creative leadership, and internal teams as needed
  • Address creative challenges proactively by communicating with supervisors, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing visual storytelling solutions
  • Ensure all storyboard revisions, notes, and feedback are accurately incorporated within assigned deadlines
  • Communicate progress, updates, and production needs to creative supervisors and appropriate production staff throughout the process
  • Follow production workflows and document management requirements, including file organization, naming conventions, and storage procedures
  • Meet deadlines and production schedules as established by Producers and Production Management while maintaining a high level of artistic quality
  • Attend and contribute to story meetings, reviews, pitches, screenings, and other relevant production discussions
  • Assist with additional story-related assignments and special projects as needed in support of the production
Requirements
  • Minimum of 1 year of professional storyboard experience and/or relevant training on a feature film, television series, or comparable production environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong drawing and visual storytelling skills with the ability to communicate emotion, character performance, acting, staging, and cinematic clarity through storyboard work
  • Proficiency with industry tools (Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, etc.) 
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to and work within the established visual style and storytelling language of a production
  • Strong understanding of composition, staging, camera language, continuity, pacing, and screen direction
  • Solid draftsmanship and foundational drawing skills, including character acting, anatomy, perspective, and posing
  • Ability to interpret creative direction, apply feedback constructively, and iterate quickly within a collaborative production environment
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines
  • Comfortable managing multiple assignments and adapting to evolving creative and production needs
  • Knowledge of additional design, editorial, or production software is a plus
The compensation range for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $2388.40 - 4,200/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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