How to Create a Storyboard Demo Reel — Tips for Story Artists

Storyboard Artist Portfolio Tutorial

Choose your storyboarding software

First thing’s first — you will need to choose your storyboarding software. Because you will already be using storyboard panels and frames from previously created work, using a digital storyboard software will make uploading and displaying your favorite storyboard easier.

There are some great free online storyboarding apps to choose from. Throughout this tutorial we'll be using StudioBinder’s free storyboarding app.

As you can see, making a storyboard in StudioBinder is as easy as uploading stills into the software and customizing each to best serve how you will be presenting your favorite storyboard artwork.

Since your storyboard demo reel will be an edited motion picture, using a storyboard software will help organize your reel before bringing everything into an editing software. 

Storyboard Artist Portfolio Examples

Revisit your work

To determine what you will upload into the storyboarding app, it's time to revisit your body of work. Start with the storyboard artwork that immediately comes to mind that you believe sets you apart from other artists.

This may be work that demonstrates a specific illustrative style, your ability to capture cinematic motion in your illustrations, etc.

Here is a great storyboard example to give you an idea of what a finished storyboard demo reel looks like. 

When looking back at your work, pull artwork that reflects what you want to create in the future. Take all of the storyboard artwork that you wish to include in your storyboard demo reel and organize them for our next step. 

Creating a Storyboard Artist Portfolio

Edit your storyboard demo reel

Once you’ve combed through your work and have downloaded and organized the storyboard artwork and clips that you want to include in your storyboard demo reel, it's time to edit. First, choose an editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro vs. Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.

While your storyboard artwork may exist in panels, it’s important to edit them into a motion picture to create your demo reel. This is what translates your artwork to potential films, making it easier for potential employers to envision how it is to collaborate and work with you. 

This can almost be seen as an animatic that is used in animated films. Here is another storyboard demo example that shows the value of editing individual panels together. 

When editing, it is important to think about the flow of your reel. Think of it similarly to a movie trailer which, when done well, has great pacing that creates an arc. This will have viewers watch the entire demo reel until the very end to see all of your great work.