The process of translating scripts to a visual language is my favorite part of what a storyboard artist does. When I work with a director, thumbnail sketches are an intrigal part of this process. Once the direction is talked through, each thumbnail is finished in about 5 seconds, faster than it would take to even write out the direction itself! I do draw out the boxes in advance as well! Even directors very seldomly see these thumbnails as the process is generally considered “note-taking”, unless I need to reference something specific to the director. From the storyboard artist’s perspective, it’s merely a way to keep track of all the shots and have a loose example of the edit. Below is a sequence of Police/Motor Scooter chase for the show, Raising Kanan. I did these a while back and can still remember everything that I was on the hook for fleshing out. You're probably confused by few of these but It’s all as clear as day to me and that’s what counts! Once this process is complete, I'm off to draw the actual boards!

 

 

 

Wes Simpkins, IATSE USA 829, Storyboard Artist. Scenic Designer. New York City