Live-Action Video Storyboards

A storyboard illustrator helps to visualize a story through color and black-and-white art. A storyboard artist or animator will use graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator to help create scenes and concept art for video games, comic books, and music videos.*

Storyboard artists are also able to develop film storyboards to help with pre-production of movies and short films. For a movie, a storyboard artist might develop a cartoon storyboard with character design so a director and a writer can see exactly how their story will come to life on-screen.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

To practice storyboarding, you’ll want to have an iPad or a drawing tablet. A quick search through social media and you’ll be able to find other beginners or skilled storyboard artists who have created tutorials and high-quality templates to help you practice.*

Comic books are very similar to what a storyboard would look like. Review a few of your favorite comic books for inspiration and additional practice.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

When you’re ready to begin a hobby or career in storyboarding, it never hurts to reach out on social media to storyboard artists you follow and admire. Just by studying the way they create thumbnails or use different video editing techniques can really help you on your journey.

You can also use templates you find online to help you learn the process; many include tutorials that give you step-by-step instructions. With patience and practice, your storyboarding skills will improve in no time.

If you like to draw freehand, you can make a storyboard sketch that way. All you need is time and supplies such as paper and artist pencils. If you’re a better illustrator online, a drawing tablet or an iPad is your best friend. You can make high-quality storyboard sketches using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other video editing programs.*

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.