Our Newly updated Mentorship Program- winter session now open!
Become a professional storyboard artist in 1 year without any prior industry experience
Rapidly Grow your Drawing and Storytelling Skills as a Storyboard Artist and Land the Job you’ve Always Wanted
Make a living Telling Stories with your art in Less time than it takes To get a college degree and For a fraction of the cost
Whether you are a recent art-school graduate, or working artist looking to improve, the 1-year intensive Mentorship Program is for people who want a career as a storyboard artist. Taught by professional artists who are working in major entertainment studios, we train you to do studio-quality work.
If you're struggling to break into the entertainment industry or gain traction with your art it doesn’t have to be that way. We are here to tell you it is possible to have a career as a pro storyboard artist for a FRACTION OF THE COST of what art schools and universities charge.
Colleges and universities try their best to give storyboarding classes or film classes, but nothing out there comes close to the content of our Mentorship. Tuition at these schools for one year can cost up to $30,000! And you still don’t have the skills you need to land a job.
The only way to get the kind of intense learning found inside the Mentorship is to get hired by the big studios and learn the hard way on the inside from other veteran artists... if they are willing to take the time to mentor you. How can you land the jobs you want if you do not have insider access to veteran pros?
We solved that problem inside the Story Artist Mentorship. This is the best learning environment for story artists you'll find.
THERE IS NO OTHER STORY COURSE OUT THERE LIKE THIS
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
There is a huge shortage of storyboard artists with the skills that big studios are looking for. Our immersive training program is like no other course available-- even at specialized art schools, colleges, or universities. Our mentors have worked with hundreds of artists like you and have seen them grow into polished professionals. We want to help you do the same.
HERE'S WHAT PREVIOUS MENTORSHIP PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY...
Now working at Disney TV
"I got 2 different portfolio calls! I had a recruiter from DisneyTV ask for my portfolio for an upcoming show, and I should be hearing back from her in the beginning of January! (The position is only a few months long, but still!) THEN I got an email last week from Floyd County Productions to do a storyboard test for a full-time position! Thanks to the Mentorship, I've made a lot of strides in my work, and I'm so glad I took the chance to learn from you all!! Hopefully those emails are a sign of an upswing, and to keep pushing me to not give up. "
Storyboard Artist and Animator
"I just wanted to write and say thanks for creating this for artists. I aspire to be a great storyteller. I know I have good ideas, but this is exactly what I need to get me moving in the right direction. I was accepted to USC’s master program and am so glad I didn’t go, otherwise in a few years I’d probably have a lifetime of debt. What you’re offering is so affordable and also priceless. So, thank you!"
Accepted into the exclusive Pixar Internship
"Sergio! Just thought I’d let you know I got into the Pixar internship this year! I definitely couldn’t have gotten that far without your class!"
Mentorship Student Examples
Magnus Kravik
Judit Tondora
Ben McMillan
Kenny Vallenca
Charl Chilliers
Erik Kuska
Ready to commit to a life-changing opportunity?
Pay in full now and save $1050
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET WHEN YOU SIGN UP
This latest session of our Mentorship Program is our most complete and up-to-date experience yet.
Full access to the Mentorship program to teach you the skills of a storyboard artist, even if you’ve never gone to art school.
It's rare that you get experienced professionals guiding you and looking over your work. Whether it's through email, video notes, office hours, or live group calls, you can ask questions and get the answers you need to get ahead.
The unbeatable system that works without your permission (it’s gotten people who have blockages with drawing look forward to showing up).
You get access to our Discord community, where you get support and insider job tips from working pros and community members past and present.
The career system that will boost your salary and give you the insider tips on connecting with studios and recruiters. We work together to prep your professional presence for the entertainment industry.
Our newly updated Mentorship now includes a Certificate of Completion and final assessment review for those users who make it through the program. This gives industry credibility along with your portfolio that you are ready to enter the job market.
* submission requirements apply
How The Mentorship Program Works
This program was designed by professional storyboard artists and is set up to mimic the studio work environment. You’ll have bi-weekly group meetings where you get in-depth instruction from your mentors. Our pros review your work regularly to provide specific feedback you can use to master the material. Assignments and deadlines are flexible enough to accommodate life events, but targeted so you get real artistic growth from this program.
Preshow- Onboarding
Upon signing up for the mentorship, we contact you for a 30-minute assessment in a 1 on 1 Zoom call. We deliver your starter pack and materials to ramp up, assess your work, and create a plan with individual goals based on your situation. This process will start you off to get the most out of the mentorship.
Course Modules
The first module opens on January 23, 2023, and a new module will open each month after that for 12 months. Each module contains a unique story assignment designed to apply the concepts introduced in the lessons. The story assignments will be the foundation of the material we use to build a working portfolio throughout the course.
Live Group Sessions
Our mentors lead bi-weekly instructional meetings related to each month’s module. We go over the module assignments and give direct feedback much like you would experience in a professional film studio. All sessions are recorded and added to the course archive for you to revisit anytime. We have two sessions in order to accommodate users in different time zones.
Mentor Reviews
Our community mentors review story assignments submitted on an ongoing basis and give notes through email, video messages, or office-hour meetings. This is where the real learning happens, by getting direct feedback on your story sequences and improving the storyboards with each new submission.
Private Networking and Support
One of the keystones of our program is our robust private Discord community. Here, you can network with past and present students and mentors. Many of our members hold workshops, movie nights, and more. You get lifetime access to our private mentorship group when you sign up.
Accountability Partners
To maximize your success, we have regular check-ins and assign accountability partners to make sure you are hitting your goals. The “Never Fall Off” accountability system is the unbeatable system that works without your permission (it’s gotten people who have blockages drawing look forward to showing up).
THE STORY ARTIST MENTORSHIP COURSE OUTLINE
12 Epic Modules
An overview of what you need to get solid skills as a storyboard artist. We go over the drawing foundation you need to execute storyboards, including perspective, anatomy, and composition, and we go over exercises to build your draftsmanship. In addition, we cover a rock-solid storyboard method to execute your scenes with confidence every time. This is a key module for all story artists to go through.
These are the tools and equipment you need for success. You do not need thousands of dollars in equipment. With basic tools, you can start working as a pro today. We cover the equipment you need, thought process, a practice regimen. The key here is to understand the fundamentals and apply them to any software. Programs covered include Photoshop, Sketchbook, Toon Boom, TVPaint, Premiere, and After Effects.
This is the lesson that will turn you from a movie fan into a filmmaker. You will learn the pillars of story structure and how to analyze films for use in your own work. Having a solid grasp on film history and what aspects are important will explode your skills to the next level. Get Sergio’s list of must-watch films for the story artist. You will gain expert knowledge on how to analyze films and sequences so you can apply those methods in your own work. Any story artist working on their own stories will benefit greatly from this module.
The industry is changing rapidly and a well-rounded story artist should also know about 3D cameras and previz methods. This module unlocks a whole new approach to storytelling and gives you more ammunition when seeking jobs and clients. Learn how to block a scene with proper timing, 2.5D storyboard skills, camera lenses and more. We will take a scene in Maya and show you how to pose out characters and block cameras, even if you have no 3D experience-- no need to learn how to model or light in 3D. Even with basic camera and animation tools, you can create powerful previz scenes with strong impact.
Put your knowledge to work and start breaking down a script visually. Learn how to incorporate subtext even when it’s not written in the script. With this module, we take an action scene and apply a unique approach to choreography and staging. Conceptualizing action is in high demand in all areas of visual storytelling, from video games to superhero movies. This is the first of your portfolio exercises to create an impactful scene full of solid action properly paced and posed out. We cover action choreography, fight staging, car chases, flight rules, and more.
Applying your camera and film knowledge takes technical skills to make the drawings flow. This includes solid 2D animation skills to pose and give a strong illusion of depth. Creative staging of characters and action beats gives visual richness and style to your projects. We show you how to create efficiency and maximize your camera setups. Using camera lenses is a big topic that needs to be fully understood by a story artist. After this module, you will know when to use what type of lens and why for the most visual impact.
Comic timing and visual comedy should be a foundation for all story artists. This is another pillar in our portfolio exercises to understand comic staging that you can apply to any project. Always a fun topic, comedy scenes are hugely important for the animation story artist. We go through comedic staging and how to invent gags for the most appeal.
This is an often overlooked subject for story artists. Realistic dramatic emotion in your scene is hard to pull off well. You will learn a step-by-step approach to avoid having to do revisions and get your emotions right the first time. This approach is thinking as an actor would and getting inside your characters to make the staging and emotions believable. Camera work and subtext are hugely important in a dramatic scene. We will be building on everything learned in previous modules to pull off a powerful emotional experience.
An overview of what you need to get solid skills as a storyboard artist. We go over the drawing foundation you need to execute storyboards, including perspective, anatomy, and composition, and we go over exercises to build your draftsmanship. In addition, we cover a rock-solid storyboard method to execute your scenes with confidence every time. This is a key module for all story artists to go through.
This is a breakdown of what is involved in a studio setting. Teamwork and integrating yourself in the project style is what it’s all about. Here, you will build versatility and learn to tackle all aspects of studio work. Avoid the common pitfalls that could get you fired and instead get on the right track for promotions. This is a career-focused module that will improve the ability to work inside a real production.
Learn the traits that will make your personal style in demand for your entire career. Once you understand how to apply your unique way of thinking to a story, your job opportunities will expand because no one else can do what you do. This module helps unlock your potential by discovering your strengths and improving your weaknesses. You'll begin to think as a director and visualize the end project from the development of your images. Having a unique style to your storytelling will make you a valuable and marketable artist in the film industry.
With the work in the previous modules, you can create a portfolio and start making those industry contacts. We cover portfolios, resumes, events, and interviews. Putting it all together to be the best artist possible and land the story jobs you want is the focus. Find out how to design your professional presence and portfolio to land a full-time studio gig. With this module, you will have the professional presence you need to succeed in the business.
THE COURSE IS LED BY TOP Storyboard PROFESSIONALS
Robert valley
Guest Mentor
Robert Valley is one of the most unique and innovative artists working in animation today. Robert’s distinctive style is all over work for Love Death Robots, Metallica and Gorillaz music videos, Disney, Nike, Coca-Cola, and many others. Robert will be joining the Mentorship as a guest lecturer.
Tim burgard
Instructional Mentor
Tim has worked on some of the most blockbuster films with the industry's top filmmakers. His film work includes “Terminator 2”, “Thor”, “Rise of the Apes”, “Jurassic World”, “Geostorm”, and “Fantastic Four”.
John Dusenberry
Instructional Mentor
John's feature credits include Space Jam: A New Legacy, SCOOB!, Smallfoot, LEGO Ninjago, LEGO 2, Dick Figures: The Movie, SpongeBob 2: Sponge out of Water, and the upcoming Toto.
STEVE LEE
Instructional Mentor
Marvel, Lucasfilm, DreamWorks, Sony. Episodic director on Star Wars Rebels. Steve is an industry veteran who as worked in all aspects of film and animation.
sergio paez
Instructional Mentor
Sergio was an episodic director on the Star Wars Resistance and Star Wars Rebels series from Lucasfilm. His film credits include projects for Pixar, Lucasfilm, Sony, and Sega.
DOUGLAS LOVELACE
Instructional Mentor
Disney, Illumination, Lucasfilm, Dreamworks, Skybound. Dreamworks Director on Puss in Boots.
Bosco Ng
Instructional Mentor
Bosco is a storyboard artist and television director who has worked on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars Resistance.
Lincoln Adams
Community Mentor
Illumination, Warner Bros., Locksmith Animation
Chad pickrel
Community Mentor
Chad is our Mentorship moderator and Community Mentor lead. His storyboard work includes live action film projects, shorts and commercials.
Bonus
exclusive bonus content bundled in the course
StoryboardArt Vault Access
The StoryboardArt vault of content is only available to premium members. This includes:
- All previous courses and workshops
- Exclusive interviews
- Contract templates
- Storyboard templates
- And much more story training content
$2,999 Value
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro Educational License
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is the premiere software package for creating storyboards and animatics. StoryboardArt is an authorized training center, able to offer a 1-year educational license for Storyboard Pro to users who sign up to the Mentorship Program. The educational license can be used for personal work and creating portfolio samples but is not authorized for paid commercial work.
$530 Value
Derek Thompson & Ted Mathot Storytelling Workshop
Derek Thompson and Ted Mathot are some of the best story artists working in the industry today. This is an epic opportunity to learn from two juggernaut storytellers. This workshop will highlight career experience from their time at Pixar, ILM, current projects, and everything in between. This workshop is available only for new users of the mentorship program.
$499 Value
Robert Valley Storytelling Workshop
Learn from the award-winning master of unique storytelling, amazing camera angles, and animation. In this course bundle, Robert Valley shows us his method for working in Photoshop. This is not your normal Photoshop storyboard tutorial. Robert has some crazy-wicked skills, creating his shots from thumbnails to boards and even animating unbelievably complex shots directly in Photoshop.
$399 Value
Tim Burgard Live Action Workshop
During his 30-year career as a storyboard artist, Tim Burgard has worked on some of the most blockbuster films with the industry’s top filmmakers. Tim knows how to make winning compositions and bring out that dynamic action to every scene. You get to hear direct from Tim on the latest buzz behind the blockbuster movies and sound advice on breaking into the business, including unions, networking, the future of storyboards, and more.
$699 Value
Intro To Storyboarding Course
Get full access to all the lessons, scripts, templates, and materials inside Sergio’s intensive training course. You get lifetime access to this valuable resource that you can use for your own stories and jobs.
$499 Value
total bonus value
$5,600+ in bonus content
Our Industry Leading 100% Double satisfaction Guarantee
30-Day "Love it or Leave it Guarantee"
Our 30 day guarantee begins when the course begins on January 23, 2023 and you will have a full 30 days to try things out after the start date of the course.
For any reason whatsoever, if you want your money back you can get it because we only want you to join if you’re happy. All you have to do is email story@storyboardart.org and ask for a refund and you'll get it, and in short order-- our response times are on average less than 24 hours.
12 Month Results
"Guaranteed Results in 12 Months "
We guarantee getting results in our program. If in 12 months you are not a better storyboard artist after going through our structured training we will refund your money 100%. This is a conditional guarantee where you need to prove you did the work, but if you are serious about making it as an artist we can help you reach your goals. This is how confident we are that you will get results and succeed in our program.
We're not asking you to decide yes or no today… we're asking you to make a fully informed decision, that is all. The only way you can make a fully informed decision is on the inside, not the outside. So get on the inside and see if everything we say in this program is true and valuable to you.
But you can’t make this decision right now for the the same reason you don’t buy a house without first looking at the inside of it. With our double guarantee we have taken all the risk on ourselves so you can try things out RISK FREE. You can only make such a guarantee when you’re confident that what you have is the real deal, and I’m confident that when you sign up at StoryboardArt.org, you’re getting exactly what you need for SUCCESS.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mentorship Summer session is scheduled to start on January 23rd, 2023 and runs for a full year. Get ready for action!
The course is conducted through live group meetings and recorded lesson content. Every two weeks, we join a live, members-only Zoom call where we all interact and show our work in progress. The mentors review the work submitted and give feedback and advice on how to improve shots or critical things to work on. This is a valuable and influential experience, as getting direct feedback from an experienced artist has always been the most beneficial way to learn.
The best part is we go through this as a team, which means we all get to see each other's work, cheer each other on, and encourage each other as we go forward, or help answer questions and share information, links, and other resources. It really is the most valuable part of the course, having this camaraderie as we conquer every step of the mentorship together. All lessons are delivered in HD and can be streamed from any browser.
This course goes for a full year, with every module containing in-depth, high-end lessons on subject matter not available anywhere else. This course is by far the most robust we've ever taught, whether it be online, or even private classes that we've taught at Lucasfilm, Siggraph, CTN, or many other events. I can honestly say nothing else out there is like this.
Colleges and universities try their best to give storyboarding or film classes but nothing out there will take you to the finish line with your portfolio. Plus, tuition at these schools for one year can cost up to $30,000! And you still don’t have the skills you need to land a job!
The only other way to get the kind of intense learning found inside the mentorship is to get hired by the big studios and learn the hard way from other veteran artists... if they are willing to take the time to mentor you. How can you land the jobs you want if you do not have insider access to veteran pros?
We solved that problem inside the Story Artist Mentorship. This is the best learning environment for story artists that we have found.
We have two live-review sessions for the group to cover multiple time zones for students outside the USA. The live sessions are held on Thursday evenings and Fridays mornings, PST time, every two weeks. We try to make these sessions as accessible as possible, so no matter what time zone you're in, there will be a session that fits your schedule. Even if you miss a session, each one is recorded and posted to our private course archive.
This course focuses mostly on story techniques that can be used with any software package, or even good ol' fashioned pencil and paper. You do not need any special software for the course. That said, included in the course price is an educational license for Toon Boom Storyboard Pro. We will be talking about digital tools and techniques within different software packages throughout the course. This includes Adobe products, Autodesk Sketchbook, TVPaint, Blender, Maya, and Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, to name a few.
You will also benefit greatly if you have a way to do digital drawings such as a tablet, iPad pro, Wacom Cintiq, or Microsoft Surface. If none of that is available to you, you can still use traditional media such as pencils and markers on paper. Simply scan them in or take hi-res photos to share your progress in the live reviews. For any other questions about materials, please contact us directly.
This course is spaced out very carefully, so things aren't too overwhelming and so we can put in the needed amount of time to really make our work look great. This has been a critical part of the design of the course-- to ensure we do have the time, even with family, work, and life commitments.
If you can spare at least 2 hours per week, you'll be able to make the most of this course. The more time you put in, the better, but a minimum of 2 hours every week is important. If you can't spare 2 hours each week, then maybe this course isn't right for you-- at least not until you're able to free up a bit more time.
Sometimes, life happens and we fall behind a little, but it's fairly easy to catch up again when our time frees up. Never feel stressed that you are behind if that is the case. Just put in a bit of extra time and get back up to speed. We're all here to help each other. What makes this course great for keeping on track is that we are all going at our own pace, but we're all helping and motivating each other.
Have an end goal. Whether it's to break into the industry or step up to bigger story teams, break into freelance or secure a full-time job, set up your own studio or make your own film, have a clear goal before you start, so you know where you want to go with the course. By having a goal and knowing where you are now, you can measure your success as you move forward and focus to really get there. Whether it's getting a new portfolio, or focusing on core areas you need to work on and better yourself, setting these goals now will guide you throughout the course, and all of us can look back afterward at how much we've grown.
Think forward a year-- do you want to be where you are right now, or do you want a change in your career path? If you are struggling to come to terms with exactly what you want and need guidance, please message us directly. That's what we are here for.
Yes. Even halfway through the Story Artist Mentorship, you will have a number of exercises that you can use in your portfolio to apply for jobs. Your story examples will reflect completing real sequences, using all of the latest techniques and approaches and demonstrating not only that you can work on narrative stories, but that you can handle tough assignments with confidence.
We have a diverse group of artists in the mentorship program sessions. Some artists have professional experience and others do not. What's exciting is to see the growth in artists and be there when they really feel like they get it and the information really starts to click.
This course is ambitious and advanced, but explained thoroughly throughout, so it's going to be straightforward for you to follow even if you aren't yet in the industry. This is the course that will get you INTO the industry. Even if you are a beginner, you can still follow along. In addition, this is why we offer a 30-day guarantee. Try out the course, and if you don't love it, send us an email and get a 100% refund. No catch, no tricks
By completing all the module assignments students can apply for a personalized Certificate of Completion signifying that you have completed our training program are ready to enter the job market as a storyboard artists. In order to qualify for a certificate, users will need to submit a portfolio of work to the mentors and show your progress of work created during the course.
If it is determined by the mentors that the student work is not up to professional standards, a report will be provided to the student with specific notes of what to work on to obtain the certificate. There is no time limit for applying for the certificate even if it takes a student longer than the 1 year duration of the course. Only students with current active accounts are elegible for the Certificate of Completion.
Course Enrollment closes on January 16th, 2023
registration is now closed
Join the MENTORSHIP SESSION NOW
Space is limited, join today!
standard plan
Everything you need for success
as a Story Artist
12 montly payments of
$
379
/mo
or pay in full $3499 and save 25%
Mentorship+
1 on 1 coaching
Private 1 on 1 mentor coaching each month
12 MONTLY PAYMENTS OF
$
999
/mo
or pay in full $9995 and save 25%
(only 25 spots available)
DON’T LET SELF-DOUBT STOP YOU
If you're worried that you are not good enough, or that you're too much of a beginner, but you also really want to learn to be a storyboard artist, don’t let doubt get in your way.
Let's chat 1 on 1 and we’ll be happy to review your work, give you feedback, and an honest recommendation about whether or not this program would be right for you. Even if you are a complete newbie, we know of no better storytelling program to get you on the right track, fast.