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Story Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

Story Artist- Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$74.52/hr

... imaginative storytelling. Come join Inkubator to shape what's next and explore the creative possibilities. Position Summary We are seeking a Storyboard Artist to join our pioneering team in ...

Senior Environment Artist

Bellevue, WA

$143K - $171K/yr

We pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and visual artistry. Our team of talented artists, designers, and developers work collaboratively to build immersive worlds ...

Senior Environment Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$143K - $171K/yr

We pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and visual artistry. Our team of talented artists, designers, and developers work collaboratively to build immersive worlds ...

$60 - $90/hr

About the Role We're looking for a passionate Animation Artist to bring characters and stories to life. You'll work on medium-level shots, collaborate with a talented team, and help mentor junior ...

About the Role We're looking for a passionate Animation Artist to bring characters and stories to life. You'll work on medium-level shots, collaborate with a talented team, and help mentor junior ...

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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 Sep 6, 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 is a story artist?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a story artist?

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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Story Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Story Artist - Feature

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$53.37 - $80/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop storyboards from scripts or descriptions that depict action, camera placement, and acting sequences.

  • Draw storyboards, including quick sketches and detailed panels, and revise them as needed.

  • Pitch storyboards to the director, head of story, crew, and executives.


Job description

SUMMARY:
Story Artists work with a team of the Directors, Producers, and Head of Story to create a visual representation of the animation's narrative. These artists translate the script into pictures by producing a series of panels of drawings that plan out the film's story, action, humor, continuity and pacing. This is a union covered position.
Sony Pictures Animation is an animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Working from a script or descriptions, develop storyboards (thumbnail/rough storyboard panels) that depict the action, camera placement and acting of sequences.
  • Draw everything from quick sketches to finished detailed storyboard panels.
  • Pitch storyboards to the director, head of story, crew, and executives.
  • Discover and create innovative ideas with performance, action, and humor.
  • Draw storyboards for assigned sequences and revise, edit, and modify sketches as many times as needed.
  • Ensure that the vision and style of the show is consistently adhered to through execution of action, staging, dialogue and camera.
  • Address story and structure problems. We especially value artists that can improve entertainment value!.
  • Supervision of the story team, including conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, and providing feedback to Artists throughout the production.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Robust draftsmanship with a sense of design, appeal and composition.
  • Ability to work on a range of projects (action, comedy and drama sequences) and in a variety of styles from comic to realistic and highly stylized.
  • Great writing skills.
  • Strong character acting sensibilities; able to convey personality, emotion, and movement.
  • Strong staging, composition and cinematography skills.
  • Capable of drawing characters and environments on model within show style.
  • Ability to write clear and specific directions on storyboards to communicate with the team.
  • Can manage time efficiently and work independently.
  • Work creatively in a fast paced production environment.
  • Must be open to direction and able to embrace change.
  • Self motivated, good interpersonal skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook.
  • Knowledge of software and hardware including Cintiq, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro and Photoshop.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $53.37/hour to $80/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.
To apply, please submit a resume and a link to your work. Please make sure to include any passwords needed to review your work in your resume or cover letter.
Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.