How many frames do you produce per day?

I expect to produce around 25 standard black and white storyboard frames per day, or 80-100 rough thumbnails. More detailed illustrations or colour frames vary depending on the level of detail required.

How long does it take to storyboard a film?

It varies widely from project to project. Some films will only need a couple of key scenes storyboarded in rough, taking less than a day, while others may require most of the scenes rendered in detailed, colour frames, with many rounds of revisions, taking months- or anything in between. I’m always happy to discuss what’s needed for your project, and possible for your budget and timeframe.

How do you deliver storyboards?

Every project is different, but generally images are dropped into a digital storyboard document with numbering and shot descriptions, then provided as a PDF document. If single frames are required, these are sent as individual jpegs.

How do you charge?

I either charge per day, per hour or per frame, depending on the project. I am always happy to discuss what is possible for your timescale and budget.

Why don’t you have your most recent projects on your website?

I am not able to share storyboard images of any project until the project it has been released. Sometimes this is months- or even years- after I have worked on it!

How did you become a storyboard artist?

After receiving a first for BA (Hons) Illustration from Anglia Ruskin University, I spent some time working on children’s books and magazine illustration. I became interested in working in film, and attended short courses specialising in storyboards at Central St Martins, London and Lighthouse, Brighton. I started out by getting experience storyboarding a number of short films in my spare time before becoming a full-time freelance artist in 2008.

How do you get work?

Most of my work comes through word of mouth or from people I have worked with in the past. Otherwise, new clients tend to find me through my website.

What would your advice be for someone wanting to become a storyboard artist?

Practice! To be a storyboard artist, you need to be able to draw quickly, particularly concentrating on drawing people- bodies in motion and facial expressions. Find a style and method that you can do quickly and reliably. Don’t be too precious about your artwork, storyboards are working drawings; it’s much more important that they are clear than that they are beautiful. A good start is to pick a section of a script or passage from a book and think about how you would storyboard it, including a variety of different shots to tell the story. You can study how shots are ordered in films and tv you admire to help develop your sense of visual storytelling. The best way to learn, build your portfolio, and make contacts is to work on real projects by offering to storyboard low-budget short films or student projects.

You can watch my interview with the Cornwall Film Festival, discussing my work and how I became a storyboard artist here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=240828047580169

Are you available to talk about your work or teach students about storyboarding practice?

I’m always open to new opportunities to pass on my knowledge of storyboarding, and its importance in filmmaking. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.