Professional Storyboards

To make a professional storyboard, you'll want to include the following: highly detailed and clear images, shot descriptions for context, notes for any special considerations like stunts or VFX, text or arrows to indicate camera or character movement, and a strong sense of continuity that flows from panel to the next.

On most professional productions, the Storyboard Artist is the one to generate the storyboards. These are dedicated artists who work closely with the director and sometimes the DP to generate the "ground floor" for how the project will come to life visually. 

There is no single path to becoming a professional Storyboard Artist, but you'll need exceptional illustration and design skills no matter which path you take. You can find storyboarding classes online or become a self-taught artist.

There is a union for Storyboard Artists through the Art Director's Guild IATSE Local 800 that you will want to join at some point when you become eligible.

As you work on various projects, you'll want to assemble a professional storyboard portfolio. Obviously, this should showcase your best work, but you should also consider making your portfolio diverse as well. This will demonstrate that not only are you a professional storyboard artist, but you can also work on a variety of projects as well.

Professional Storyboard Artists use any and all tools in their work. Some might stick with more traditional methods like pencil and paper, while others might embrace the modern style with digital storyboards.

Every Storyboard Artist has different preferences, of course, but the general consensus is that simple, plain white copy paper is the standard choice. It's sturdy enough to be handled repeatedly and for when the eraser inevitably comes out to remove mistakes.