Storyboard illustration is a vital part of pre-production for films, animation, advertisements, and more. It visually translates scripts into sequential frames, allowing directors and clients to envision the final output. But a common question from both clients and creatives is: “How much does storyboard illustration cost per frame?” In this guide, we’ll explore that in detail, covering average rates, influencing factors, and smart budgeting tips.
What Is a Storyboard Frame?
A storyboard frame is a single illustrated scene that represents a moment in a sequence. It’s the visual equivalent of one camera shot or action beat in a story. Frames can range from:
- Rough thumbnails: Quick sketches with basic compositions.
- Clean line art: Refined visuals with clear actions and characters.
- Detailed frames: Include shading, tones, or even partial color for presentation or animatics.
These frames are crucial tools for directors to communicate their vision to the crew, for animators to plan complex sequences, and for advertisers to gain client approval before costly production begins. An experienced storyboard artist understands these downstream needs and tailors their frames to be not just visually engaging, but practically functional.
Average Storyboard Illustration Cost per Frame (2025 Rates)
Rates vary by location, artist experience, and project complexity. Here’s a general pricing overview:
| Type of Frame | Price Range (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rough thumbnail | $10 – $20 | Simple sketch to block out scenes |
| Clean line art | $20 – $40 | Polished illustrations with clear expressions |
| Detailed or shaded | $35 – $70 | Includes tonal work, more cinematic detail |
| Presentation-quality | $60 – $120 | High-detail visuals that require not just expert draftsmanship but also knowledge of lighting, composition, and often color theory. Suitable for client presentations or animatic integration. |
These prices apply per frame and can scale based on the total frame count, deadlines, or level of revision required.
Key Factors That Affect Storyboard Illustration Cost per Frame
1. Art Style & Level of Detail
- Basic stick figures or minimalist frames cost less.
- Cinematic, realistic, or stylized frames increase the price.
2. Artist Experience
- Entry-level illustrators may charge $10–$25 per frame.
- Professionals or studio-level artists may start at $40–$100.
- Expert storyboard artists possess not only drawing proficiency but also a deep understanding of cinematic language, camera angles, pacing, character blocking, and visual storytelling. They act as visual strategists, translating script nuances into effective visual sequences.
- Beyond just drawing, experienced storyboard artists excel at visual problem-solving – translating abstract script ideas into concrete camera angles, character expressions, and pacing that effectively tell the story. This iterative process, refined over many projects, is a core part of their experience.
3. Frame Complexity
- Action scenes with multiple characters or props take longer.
- Dialogue-driven scenes with static poses are simpler.
4. Turnaround Time
- Rush orders (24-48 hours) may cost 1.5x–2x the standard rate.
5. Number of Revisions
- Most illustrators include 1-2 rounds of revision. Additional revisions increase the cost.
- Underestimating the value of revisions often leads to an unsatisfactory final product and wasted time, demonstrating a lack of trust in the iterative process.
6. Commercial Usage Rights
- Usage in broadcast ads, films, or games may include licensing fees.
- This typically covers the legal right for you to use the illustrations in publicly distributed media. Transparency on these fees upfront ensures no surprises later.
Freelance vs. Studio Rates
Freelancers:
- More affordable
- Flexible and personalized approach
- Easier for small-scale or indie projects
Studios:
- Higher cost, but access to teams and pipelines
- Better for tight deadlines or multi-episode production
Professionals often utilize digital tools like Storyboarder, Clip Studio Paint, or Photoshop to streamline their workflow, allowing for quicker revisions and digital delivery – a mark of contemporary expertise.
Example Pricing Comparison:
| Source | Cost per Frame | Notes |
| Freelancer | $20 – $50 | Often includes revisions and chat |
| Studio | $50 – $120 | Structured process, project manager included |
Real-World Scenarios & Cost Examples
Example 1: TV Ad Storyboard (30 frames)
- Artist: Professional freelancer
- Style: Clean + some shading
- Rate: $40/frame x 30 = $1,200
Example 2: Indie Animation Pitch (12 frames)
- Artist: Entry-level illustrator
- Style: Rough thumbnails
- Rate: $15/frame x 12 = $180
Example 3: Short Film Pre-Vis (60 frames)
- Studio-based
- Style: Presentation quality
- Rate: $85/frame x 60 = $5,100
These rates are compiled based on industry surveys and our firm’s extensive experience working on hundreds of projects across various sectors.
Tips for Budgeting & Hiring
- Be clear in your brief: Mention shot types, style references, and how many frames are needed.
- Start with a test frame: Helps you evaluate quality before committing to the full set.
- Ask about licensing: Especially for commercial projects or broadcast.
- Account for revisions: Ensure your budget includes at least one round.
- Balance cost with value: Higher cost often comes with greater experience, better visual storytelling capabilities, faster turnaround reliability, and a higher likelihood of achieving your creative vision without extensive back-and-forth, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Choosing solely on price: Going for the lowest quote can lead to misaligned expectations and subpar quality.
- Skipping a sample test frame: Always test the artist’s approach before diving into a full set.
- Under-communicating your needs: Vague briefs often result in missed expectations and more revisions.
- Neglecting revisions: Trying to cut costs by limiting revisions can lead to costly delays or do-overs.
Conclusion
Storyboard illustration costs can range widely — from $10 to over $100 per frame — depending on style, quality, and production needs. Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps both clients and artists make informed decisions. Whether you’re a producer, director, or freelancer, knowing the storyboard illustration cost per frame empowers you to budget smartly and deliver better creative outcomes.
Need custom storyboard pricing? Contact our team for a quote or download our storyboard pricing calculator. You can also view our portfolio and case studies for examples and client testimonials.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of a storyboard illustration per frame?
The average cost ranges from $10 to $120 per frame, depending on the artist’s experience, complexity of the frame, turnaround time, and style requirements. Rough sketches are at the lower end, while presentation-quality frames fall on the higher end.
2. Why do storyboard costs vary so much?
Prices vary due to factors like level of detail, artist expertise, project urgency, licensing rights, and whether you hire a freelancer or a studio. A more complex, cinematic storyboard with multiple characters and camera angles naturally costs more than simple thumbnails.
3. How many frames do I need for a 30-second commercial?
It depends on pacing, but typically 12 to 20 frames are used for a 30-second spot. Fast-paced ads or those with multiple scenes may require more.
4. Are revisions included in the price?
Most artists include 1–2 rounds of revisions in their pricing. Be sure to clarify this upfront, as extra revisions can add to the total cost.
5. What’s the difference between a storyboard and an animatic?
A storyboard is a sequence of static images showing the story visually. An animatic is a rough video created from those storyboard frames, often with sound and timing, to simulate the final product.
