Learn how to use Toon Boom Storyboard Pro to create the visual images that map out each scene in a film, TV show, animation, or video game. Get comprehensive training in drawing, composition, and storytelling techniques. Internship included.
What Does a Storyboard Artist Do?
Storyboard artists create a sequence of illustrations that represent the shots planned for a film, animation, or other visual media. They translate the script into pictures and provide a visual blueprint for how the action will play out.
Their typical responsibilities include:
- Interpreting scripts and breaking them down into key scenes
- Translating written descriptions into visual images
- Sketching or drawing each scene to convey the flow of the story
- Planning staging, shot composition, framing, and cutting for effective storytelling
- Working closely with writers, directors, and producers
- Revising the storyboard based on feedback
Herzing College Storyboard Artist Program
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is widely considered the industry standard for storyboarding. We’ve partnered with the experts at Toon Boom to offer a program that covers the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive world of film and animation.
- 12-month diploma program
- Delivered online
- Curriculum designed by Toon Boom, the industry leader in 2D animation software
- Extensive 12-week internship included
- Enrol at any time
- Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify
Career Outlook
Successful graduates can pursue career paths in:
- Animation
- Film
- Television
- Video games
- Marketing and advertising
Study Topics
Herzing’s Storyboard Artist program teaches the standards of visual language and the structure and composition of storyboards for different media.
You will learn how to:
- Understand the choices in camera framing, staging, cutting, and composition of shots/scenes
- Navigate within a 2D space and build action and characters in that space
- Interpret action, emotion, and other acting within the story
- Create efficient drawings that communicate intent well with a minimum of detail
- Break down a script, use a model pack, and plan staging
- Produce a sequential story that is efficient while respecting the rules of visual language
- Use the most common tools in Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
- Work collaboratively within a creative team
- Pitch stories and produce animatics
Click below for detailed course descriptions.
This course explores the rich and diverse history of film and animation, from its earliest days to the present. Through lectures, screenings, and discussions, students will gain an understanding of the development of storytelling techniques in film and animation, as well as the major figures, movements, and cultural influences that have shaped these art forms
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of drawing and life drawing. Through a series of exercises and assignments, students will develop their skills in observation, technique, and creative expression.
In the first part of the course, students will explore the basic elements of drawing, including line, shape, form, proportion, perspective, and composition. They will learn how to use various drawing tools and materials to create different effects, and will practise techniques such as shading, cross-hatching, blending, and texture creation.
In the second part of the course, students will focus on life drawing, working from both nude and clothed models. They will learn how to accurately represent the human form, developing their knowledge of anatomy and proportions. Students will also work on creating dynamic and expressive compositions, exploring different poses and perspectives.
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their personal style and creative voice, while also being able to adapt to different art styles and approaches. They will receive regular feedback on their work, both from the instructor and their peers, and will be expected to actively participate in class discussions and critiques.
This course provides students with a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the fundamental concepts of cinematography and the language of motion in visual storytelling. Through a series of lectures, readings, and discussions, students will explore the various techniques and tools used in digital cinematography, including camera angles, shot types, framing, lighting, and composition.
Students will also develop the ability to analyze and evaluate the different types of cinematography and visual storytelling techniques used in various forms of media, including film, animation, video games, and virtual reality, and understand their impact on the viewer. They will learn to recognize and appreciate the artistry and technical mastery involved in creating dynamic and engaging digital content.
The course emphasizes the importance of the language of motion in visual storytelling, including the role of movement, pacing, and rhythm. Students will learn how to use these elements effectively to create compelling narratives and evoke emotion in their audience. They will also explore the use of sound design and music in digital storytelling and learn how to integrate these elements into their own work.
Throughout the course, students will engage in critical analysis of examples of digital cinematography and visual storytelling and participate in discussions to explore the theories and concepts presented in the course. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of the principles and theories of digital cinematography and visual storytelling, and the ability to critically evaluate and appreciate the work of others in the field.
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the animation pipeline and the role of storyboarding within it. Students will learn the basic skills necessary to become a professional storyboard artist, including direction, illustration, and acting. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, students will explore the storytelling process through illustration, sequential art, and different types of storyboards, such as advertising, live action, animated movies, animated TV shows, and video games.
In this course, students will learn the art of staging and composition for visual storytelling. They will gain an understanding of the principles and techniques that are used in filmmaking, animation, and photography to create compelling and meaningful images.
Throughout the course, students will learn about the process of framing and image, and how to use the Rule of Thirds and focal points to draw the viewer’s attention. They will also learn how to use composition of elements within the frame to direct attention and provide meaning.
In addition, they will learn about the difference between dynamic and static composition, and how to use depth to enhance the meaning of your images. You will also learn how to product drawings using multiple points of perspective, and how to stage in perspective to create more dynamic and visually interesting images.
Finally, students will learn how to use the Timeline mode in Storyboard Pro to create effective storyboards for your projects. By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of the principles and techniques of staging and composition, and how to use them to create compelling and effective visual narratives.
In this course, students will delve into the art of character acting within the realm of visual storytelling. The course aims to impart a deep understanding of the principles and techniques employed in animation and illustration to craft dynamic, engaging characters.
Throughout the duration of the course, students will be guided through the process of character art creation, from thumbnail drawings and rough sketches. The course includes instructions on creating quick, clear, and efficiently communicative character poses and highlights the purpose and significance of silhouettes.
Moreover, students will become well-versed in small-scale acting in drawing moments, encompassing facial expressions and body language. They will also gain insights into posing for various emotions, including laughter, tension, fear, and drama, and the utilization of large-scale acting in drawing action.
In this course, students will learn how to analyze and learn from examples of visual storytelling. Through a series of case studies and exercises, they will develop a critical eye for visual storytelling and gain an understanding of the principles and techniques used in different productions.
Throughout the course, students will perform analyses of storyboards from different productions, indicating where the concepts covered in the previous lessons apply. Students will also learn how to reverse-engineer storyboards from finished animated clips, and how to spot the things that are wrong in a storyboard and call for revisions.
In addition, students will learn how to learn from mistakes and apply the concepts covered in previous lessons to improve their own visual storytelling skills. They will develop a critical eye for visual storytelling and learn how to analyze and learn from examples of different productions.
Finally, students will apply the concepts covered in the course to their own visual storytelling projects and learn how to use examples from other productions to inspire and inform their own work.
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and tools used to effectively communicate a story to an audience. Through a series of lectures, exercises, and discussions, students will explore the key elements that make up a story, including structure, emotion, and important visual details.
Students will learn how to break down a script into its essential parts and locate the key moments that need to be captured on film. They will also gain an understanding of the different types of storyboard elements, including beat boards, thumbnails, and poses.
Throughout the course, students will develop skills in effective communication of emotion, as well as an understanding of the importance of background and secondary actions. They will learn how to create action sequences, musical numbers, and montage sequences to tell a compelling story.
The course will also cover the review process and how to effectively respond to critique, as well as the editing process for improving story delivery, clarity, and engagement of the audience. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of the techniques and tools used to effectively tell a story and will be able to demonstrate their mastery of these skills through the creation of a final project.
This course equips students with the skills and knowledge to deliver impactful presentations. Students will learn to craft effective presentations using storytelling techniques, visual aids, and PowerPoint features such as animations, transitions, and multimedia elements. They will also develop proficiency in pitching story ideas to different audiences and receive constructive feedback to enhance their work.
Critical thinking skills will be developed through analyzing and evaluating different presentation styles and techniques, while teamwork will be emphasized through collaboration and feedback.
By the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to deliver engaging and effective presentations that communicate ideas in a clear and persuasive manner, and incorporate storytelling, animation, and multimedia tools.
This course is designed to help artists develop their careers by providing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the art industry. Students will learn how to create effective resumes, develop strong portfolios, and prepare for job interviews. The course will also cover topics such as networking, self-promotion, and goal setting.
The first part of the course will focus on developing a strong resume and portfolio, with guidance on how to showcase skills and experience. Students will learn the importance of tailoring their resumes and portfolios to different job opportunities and audiences. They will also be introduced to different portfolio formats, such as physical and online portfolios, and how to select the most appropriate one.
The second part of the course will focus on preparing for job interviews. Students will learn about different types of interviews, including in-person, phone, and video interviews, and strategies for performing well in each format. They will also learn how to research companies, prepare responses to common interview questions, and follow up after the interview.
Throughout the course, students will engage in practical exercises, such as creating a resume and portfolio, practising interview techniques, and receiving feedback from their peers. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge to confidently pursue a career in the art industry, including techniques for self-promotion, networking, and goal setting.
This course is designed to equip storyboard artists with the skills and knowledge they need to manage creative projects effectively. It will cover the basics of project management, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management, as well as the specific challenges that storyboard artists face in managing their projects.
The course will start with an overview of project management, including different project management methodologies and tools. Students will learn how to define project scope, set project goals, and develop project timelines and budgets. They will also learn how to identify and mitigate project risks, manage project stakeholders, and communicate effectively with team members and clients.
In the second part of the course, students will focus on the specific challenges of project management for storyboard artists. This will include topics such as managing creative teams, handling revisions and changes, and balancing artistic vision with project constraints. Students will learn how to develop and manage production schedules for storyboards, create detailed shot lists, and communicate effectively with production teams.
Throughout the course, students will work on real-world projects, applying project management concepts and tools to their storyboard projects. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, learning how to work effectively in a team environment.
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of project management principles and techniques, as well as the specific challenges of managing creative projects. They will be able to apply their new skills to their work as storyboard artists, improving their ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently.
In this course, students will have the opportunity to produce a storyboard in their chosen specialty by using an outline or a script provided by the instructor. Additionally, a model pack will be provided to aid students in the production process. The instructor will act as the director, and this portion of the course will simulate a real-world production setting, where deadlines, revisions, edits, reworks, and final delivery are all part of the process.
During the simulation, students will work closely with a “director” who specializes in the type of storyboard being produced. This arrangement mimics the hiring process in the industry, where a director may only know the student from their portfolio. The new set of eyes on the student’s work will provide a fresh perspective and feedback to aid in the improvement of their final product.
Throughout the course, students will be challenged to produce high-quality storyboards that meet industry standards. The course will require attention to detail, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
By the end of the course, students will have gained real-world experience in producing storyboards for a variety of industries. They will also have developed essential skills in collaboration, communication, and project management that are crucial for success in the field of storyboarding.
This 3-month mentorship program offers students of storyboard art the opportunity to receive personalized mentorship from industry professionals. The program is designed to provide students with practical experience in the field, as well as the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and build a network within the industry.
Throughout the course, students will be paired with a mentor who is an industry professional with years of experience in the field. Mentors will work closely with students, providing one-on-one feedback, guidance, and support as students produce storyboards for a variety of projects.
Students will also participate in weekly group meetings with their mentor and other mentees to discuss their progress, receive feedback on their work, and learn from their peers. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend industry events, meet with industry professionals, and build their network in the field.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent, or a mature student
- Pass an entrance test administered by Herzing College
- Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
- Note: admission to some programs may include additional requirements
Not all programs and learning formats available at all campus locations.
The Storyboard Artist program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Ottawa.