Storyboard artists, here’s how you should charge for your work.
Keep it simple for the client, and for you.
In the age of cost-effective digital tools to help filmmakers create their own storyboards, it can often be surprising how many still want to work with a real, in-person storyboard artist to bring their project to life.
Quick background check so you know I’m legit — I’ve been working as a board artist since 2008 and I storyboard for clients all over the world for film, TV and commercials.
One of the most common questions I get as a storyboard artist is how much it costs, and my decade-plus experience has taught me to keep it simple and transparent.
The Cost Per Frame
This is a very popular one for higher budget feature films due to the intensity and speed at which storyboards are usually needed.
Charging per frame can sometimes bring you more income but you’re charging for one frame whether it takes 2 minutes to draw, or 30 minutes.
It’s beneficial for the client because they can give the artist a shot list and know exactly what to budget for the storyboards, with little ambiguity.
If the filmmaker adds more shots, multiply the number by your per frame rate — bingo! Easy.
The Flat Day Rate
How many panels can you draw in a day? This approach sees the artist charge a flat rate per day and in order to quote the client the artist needs to work out roughly how many drawings they can draw in a day.
For example, I charge £250 per day flat rate. For a commercial I can get around 25 black and white frames completed from thumbnail, to sketch to final and shaded, in that day.
If a client has a shot list, I can work out how many days it will take me. Alternatively, the client can give you a budget and you can tell them how many days you can give.
I prefer this method because I’ve found it gives greater ease to the client when budgeting. I haven’t worked with many clients who prefer being charged by the frame, and so to be competitive I have opted for the flat day rate methodology and it’s served me well for nearly 14 years.
Last minutes and amends
Transparency is advised here. If a client needs completed storyboards within 48 hours I will add on a 40% ‘rush fee’, which covers my time to likely reorganise my diary and prioritise their work over others.
I always, always, always include ONE complete round of amends on all projects I do and will work this into the overall price to ensure there’s no awkward conversations with clients begging for more budget.
So, which method to choose…
If you’re starting out as a storyboard artist, try both! Either will work for you and you can move forward with one option once you’ve done a few jobs and got feedback from clients — just remember to keep it easy for them.
If you’re a professional then you’ll probably already have your way of charging and it may be vastly different to the two above.
If so, keep doing what works for you!
Thanks so much for reading!
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