How do you negotiate your salary and benefits as a storyboard artist?

1 Know your worth

Before you enter any negotiation, you need to have a clear idea of what your work is worth in the market. You can research the average salary range for storyboard artists in your location, industry, and level of experience using online sources, such as Glassdoor, PayScale, or Indeed. You can also network with other storyboard artists and ask them about their rates and expectations. Remember to consider factors such as the scope, duration, and complexity of the project, as well as your own portfolio and reputation.

2 Be flexible and realistic

Negotiating your salary and benefits is not a one-size-fits-all process. You need to be flexible and realistic about what you can ask for and what you can accept. Depending on the employer or client, you may have more or less room to negotiate. For example, a large studio may have a fixed budget and a standardized pay scale, while a small company or an individual may have more flexibility and creativity in offering you perks or incentives. You also need to be realistic about your own needs and goals, and prioritize what matters most to you.

3 Prepare your pitch

Once you have done your research and set your expectations, you need to prepare your pitch. Your pitch is how you communicate your value and justify your asking price. You need to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements as a storyboard artist, and show how you can contribute to the success of the project. You also need to be prepared to answer questions, address objections, and provide examples of your work. You can practice your pitch with a friend or a mentor, and get feedback on your tone, confidence, and clarity.

4 Choose the right time and medium

Timing and medium are important factors in negotiating your salary and benefits. You want to choose a time and a medium that are appropriate for the situation and the relationship. For example, if you are applying for a full-time job, you may want to wait until you receive an offer before you start negotiating. If you are working as a freelancer, you may want to discuss your rates and terms before you start working on the project. You also want to choose a medium that allows you to express yourself clearly and professionally, such as a phone call, a video chat, or an email.

5 Be respectful and positive

Negotiating your salary and benefits is not a confrontation or a competition. It is a collaboration and a conversation. You want to be respectful and positive towards the employer or client, and show that you are interested in working with them and finding a mutually beneficial solution. You want to avoid making ultimatums, demands, or threats, and instead focus on your value, your goals, and your options. You also want to be respectful and positive towards yourself, and avoid selling yourself short, apologizing, or settling for less than you deserve.

6 Follow up and confirm

After you have negotiated your salary and benefits, you need to follow up and confirm the agreement. You want to thank the employer or client for their time and consideration, and restate the main points of the agreement. You also want to ask for a written confirmation, such as a contract, a letter, or an email, that outlines the details of the agreement, such as the salary, the benefits, the start date, and the deliverables. You want to review the confirmation carefully, and make sure that it matches what you discussed and agreed on.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?