What a Storyboard Artist Actually Does for Your Production
A Storyboard Artist translates a script or creative brief into a sequence of visual panels that communicate camera angles, character blocking, action beats, and pacing before a single frame is shot. On a well-run production, the storyboard becomes a shared visual language between the director, DP, production designer, and VFX team. It reduces guesswork on set, helps lock in the director's vision during prep, and gives department heads a concrete reference to plan around.
For commercial and branded content work, which makes up a substantial portion of production activity in the Santa Monica and West LA corridor, storyboards are often required by the client before a project is greenlit internally. A strong Storyboard Artist in this context needs to work quickly, take notes clearly, and revise efficiently under tight timelines.
What to Look for When Hiring in Santa Monica
Santa Monica sits at the center of a dense production ecosystem that includes advertising agencies, streaming production companies, and independent film crews. When reviewing candidates, look for the following:
- A portfolio that matches your project's visual tone, whether that is photorealistic, loose and gestural, or somewhere in between
- Experience with the specific format you are producing, such as commercials, narrative features, animation pre-vis, or episodic television
- The ability to work from a script, shot list, or verbal direction and translate it accurately
- Turnaround speed and revision flexibility, especially if your prep schedule is compressed
- Familiarity with tools like Photoshop, Procreate, or Storyboard Pro, depending on your delivery requirements
Rates for Storyboard Artists in Santa Monica
Rates vary considerably based on experience, project complexity, and whether the artist is working on a union or non-union production. For non-union commercial and branded content work in the Los Angeles area, day rates for a competent mid-level Storyboard Artist typically fall into a range that reflects both the cost of living and the competitive demand for visual talent in this market. Senior artists with strong agency or studio credits will typically command higher rates, while emerging artists building their reel may offer more flexibility. For union productions, rates are governed by the applicable IATSE or guild agreements. Always clarify upfront whether the engagement is flat-fee per panel, a daily rate, or a project package.
Find a Storyboard Artist Fast with NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a vetted marketplace built specifically for film and TV production in the US and Canada. Every crew member on the platform has been reviewed, so you are not sorting through unverified resumes. You can post your project, specify the dates, location, and format, and receive responses from qualified Storyboard Artists available in the Santa Monica area.
If you are a producer or production coordinator ready to staff your next project, post your project on NeedaCrew and start connecting with available Storyboard Artists today.
If you are a Storyboard Artist working in Santa Monica or the greater Los Angeles area, join NeedaCrew as a crew member to get discovered by productions actively hiring in your market.