What a Storyboard Artist Actually Does for Your Production
A storyboard artist translates your script or concept into a sequence of drawn panels that map out camera angles, character blocking, and visual flow. This is not just an artistic exercise. A strong storyboard artist works closely with the director and DP to pre-visualize complex sequences, flag logistical problems early, and give every department a shared visual reference before production begins. On shoots with tight schedules, that shared reference can cut hours off your prep time.
On larger productions, storyboard artists may also produce animatics, which are timed, motion versions of the boards that help directors and editors understand pacing. For commercial and branded content work, boards are often delivered to the client for approval before any crew is hired, making a polished, professional storyboard artist essential to winning that sign-off.
What to Look for When Hiring in Nashville
Nashville has a growing production community built around music video work, branded content, and an expanding scripted television sector. When evaluating storyboard artists for a Nashville project, look for:
- A portfolio that matches the tone and scale of your project, whether that is fast-turnaround commercial boards or detailed cinematic sequences
- Fluency with industry-standard tools such as Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, or even clean pencil boards, depending on your workflow
- Experience working directly with directors and DPs to refine boards through revision cycles
- Availability that aligns with your pre-production schedule, since storyboard work typically happens in the weeks before principal photography
- Clear communication and a realistic turnaround commitment, because late boards create downstream problems for every department
Rate Context for Nashville
Rates for storyboard artists vary based on experience level, the complexity of the project, and whether you need a flat project rate or a day rate. In Nashville, day rates for professional storyboard artists typically fall in line with mid-market US production cities, with junior artists generally working at lower rates and experienced artists who bring speed and polish commanding more. Project-based flat fees are common for commercial and music video work. It is worth discussing deliverables, revision rounds, and file formats upfront so both sides are clear on scope before work begins.
Find and Book a Storyboard Artist on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Every crew member on the platform is verified, so you are not sorting through unvetted freelance listings. You can post your project, describe what you need, and hear back from qualified storyboard artists in Nashville quickly.
Ready to find the right person for your production? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with verified storyboard artists in Nashville today.
If you are a storyboard artist looking for work on Nashville productions, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get your profile in front of producers who are actively hiring.