ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Story Artist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

E Logic

Video Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... video storytelling. * Ensure branding consistency across multimedia content. * Mentor team members on motion graphics best practices. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Arts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStory Artist JobsStory Artist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Story Artist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$31.5K

$133.9K

$157.7K

How much do story artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for story artist in Silver Spring, MD is $133,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,300.00 and $157,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Story Artist jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Story Artist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Story Artist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Story Artist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Story Artist jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Story Artist job openings:

Story Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Story Artist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,916 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for design in all its forms? Do you thrive at the intersection of creativity and technical innovation, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and mission-focused teams to bring complex ideas to life? Are you driven to push the boundaries of visual communication, whether through research, emerging tools, evolving workflows, or mastering the latest plugins and technologies? Do you believe powerful design can simplify complexity, tell compelling stories, and create real impact? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. Our Communications Department is seeking a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist to join our Multimedia Design Group in support of classified programs and initiatives. In this role, you will collaborate with technical staff, Laboratory leadership, sponsors, and strategic communications teams to create high-impact multimedia products that communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision. Our team delivers a wide range of creative solutions, including executive-level presentations, motion graphics and short animations, scripted video content, branding and visual identity systems, staging and environmental design, conceptual and technical illustrations, and detailed OV-1 visualizations that support mission-critical work. As a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist you will... * Join a multidisciplinary team of designers, illustrators, animators, video producers, and other creative professionals focused on delivering exceptional visual communication solutions.
* Collaborate with staff across all levels of a matrixed organization, partnering with technical experts, program teams, and leadership to develop compelling presentations and communication products with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
* Create impactful visual communications that simplify complex ideas and support mission-driven objectives.
* Deliver high-quality creative products while managing schedules, priorities, and competing deadlines.
* Balance multiple projects simultaneously while working within established design requirements, timelines, and budget considerations.
* Apply and uphold brand standards while exploring modern design approaches, emerging tools, and innovative visual techniques.
* Perform advanced image editing, retouching, and visual asset manipulation to support a wide range of multimedia deliverables.
* Partner with non-creative teams to guide design thinking, visual storytelling, and concept development that elevates communication effectiveness. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Provide a portfolio that demonstrates strong visual design skills, creativity, and technical execution across a range of media.
* Possess a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Communications, or a related field, or have 4 years of equivalent professional experience.
* Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
* Are a self-motivated collaborator with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations, build consensus, and make timely decisions.
* Are proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
* Hold a current Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.
* Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn emerging tools, technologies, and workflows.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * Familiarity with U.S. military programs, Department of Defense sponsors and platforms, hypersonics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technical domains.
* Experience in 3D modeling/animation (Maya, Blender).
* Strong capabilities in data visualization, presentation design, sketching, illustration, photobashing, compositing, visual storytelling, or conceptual development. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $58,700 Annually Maximum Rate $146,300 Annually

Apply