Returning students receive 10% off all review services.
Different horizon line levels and vanishing points will change the way a character is seen.
Helping artists unlock their storytelling potential through clear, creative, and emotionally grounded visual storytelling
Storyboarding for Animated Movies
Meet Rob Porter
Your Guide to Mastering Animation Storyboarding
I’m Rob Porter, a story artist, head of story, and director with over 30 years of experience in the feature animation industry. I've worked at Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation (17 years), Paramount, Illumination, and Sony Pictures Animation — working on films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse & Spider Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, Shrek 2, Puss in Boots, Madagascar, The Smurfs, The Boss Baby, and the upcoming The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants, among many others.
Trusted by the world's best film production companies
Why My Storyboarding Masterclass Stands Out
Having long-term studio success comes from one thing: mastering the art of visual storytelling. In this course, you’ll learn to:
Tell the Story with Clarity
Structure your ideas so every board communicates story beats with precision.
Work Like you're on a movie
I think the best way to learn is by doing and re-doing. So you'll learn how to tell a story visually by actually storyboarding a short narrative.
Create Character-Driven Moments
Craft visual gags, performance-based comedy, and emotional beats that give your story depth and hook your audience.
Your Path to Visual Storytelling Mastery
This isn’t just a drawing course. It’s a feature animation storyboarding masterclass designed to transform how you think about story:
Think Like a Visual Storyteller
Your drawings are the tool to tell the story—never the goal.
Spot Story Issues Instantly
Learn to diagnose and fix narrative problems.
Deliver Emotionally Resonant Boards
Make every sequence clear, purposeful, and impactful.
The character is the gateway to the story—we have to believe them, care about them, and want to follow what they do next. You’ll learn how to step into your character’s shoes, understand what they’re thinking and feeling, and make choices that feel honest and motivated. When you do, you’ll start to find funnier gags, stronger ideas, and more meaningful moments that elevate the story from the inside.
Character Drives Everything
A strong story artist doesn’t just execute what’s on the page—they make it better. That means finding clarity, shaping the flow, and making creative choices that only you would come up with. You’ll learn to solve problems with insight, design scenes with intention, and bring your own perspective to the screen—because that’s what makes a sequence feel honest, surprising, and unforgettable.
Think Like
a Story Artist
Re-boarding isn’t about doing it over—it’s about doing it smarter. By applying notes with intention, you’ll learn to think critically, explore new storytelling options, and make stronger, more focused decisions. The goal is to understand the why behind every beat—so each revision sharpens your clarity, creativity, and confidence as a visual storyteller.
Pitch, Revise, Repeat
If your boards don’t communicate the idea clearly, nothing else matters. So you’ll learn to focus on telling the story as clearly as possible first, because your job as a story artist is to guide the audience through the scene without confusion.
It’s all about Clarity in Visual Storytelling
You’ll learn how to make your drawings serve the story—no matter how rough or clean they are. The goal isn’t to impress with polish; it’s to communicate with clarity. Even sketchy thumbnails can land if they express the idea, emotion, and timing the story needs.
Storytelling over Drawing Style
Teaching Philosophy: Learn by Unpacking the Process
As a director and educator, I believe teaching makes me a sharper storyteller — and it will do the same for you.
Expert Mentorship & Real-World Studio Simulation
Learn directly from Rob Porter, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, including over 25 years on feature films at major studios. The course uniquely simulates a professional studio environment, where you'll be part of the class story artist crew, receiving director-level guidance. This immersive approach fast-tracks your understanding of industry workflows and what it truly takes to succeed as a feature animation storyboard artist.
Actionable Feedback & Iterative Learning
Experience the crucial industry process of "boarding is re-boarding." Full Review students receive up to two in-depth, personalized video reviews (15-60 minutes each) with actionable director's notes and often drawing demos to elevate their work. All students benefit from access to shared student videos critiques, learning to pitch, receive feedback constructively, and refine their storytelling through an iterative process vital for professional growth.
Comprehensive "Deep Dive" Curriculum & Practical Project
Go far beyond the basics with a curriculum that delves deep into the fundamental building blocks of visual storytelling – from character performance and camera techniques to advanced cutting strategies and story structure. You'll apply these learnings to a challenging short story project, designed to build a portfolio-ready sequence, ensuring you leave with tangible skills and a completed piece of work, not just exercises.
Extensive Learning Resources & Supportive Community
Gain access to recordings of all class lectures (available for rewatch), in-depth essential "how-to" storyboard process videos, and curated documents covering years of teaching insights.
Plus, join our dedicated Discord server to connect with peers, share ideas, discuss all things story, and meet course alumni.
Course
Here’s what you get with the course.
The Feature Animation Storyboarding: The Deep Dive into Visual Storytelling course is more than just a class; it's a transformative experience designed to elevate your visual storytelling abilities to a professional, feature-film standard. The course will equip you with the skills, insights, and practical experience needed to tell compelling stories through your drawings.
Former Student Testimonials
Real Feedback from Past Students
I took Rob's class in 2022 and can't recommend it enough.
Rob's class is the best bang-for-your-buck storyboarding class available. He packs more info into a single class than anyone, and you'll walk away with TONS of material to revisit again and again. Rob demonstrates "finding the shot" that tells the story, delivers the joke, and sets the mood. Learn when to cut, (and when not to) and how to find story moments unique to your characters and setting.
This class is the best way to learn the blue-sky process of writing scenes through storyboarding.
Adam Watson
Winter ’22
My Thoughts
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Course Updates
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News
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Blog
Sharing my thoughts, course updates, and news with you.
Every page you turn is a new spark — feed your curiosity and watch your world ignite!
Definitely. There are three tiers of review, and you can choose the level of depth that fits your needs:
Surface Scan – Light diagnostic
A quick, high-level read on story and clarity.
Below the Surface – Visual + drawing feedback
Focus on staging, camera, posing, and storytelling with visual markup and video notes.
The Deep Dive Review – Full narrative analysis
Includes detailed video feedback and a full breakdown of structure, character, tone, and clarity.
You’ll find full descriptions on the Pricing page.
Do you offer portfolio reviews?
Yes! I offer custom mentorships based on your goals. Once I’ve seen your work, I’ll recommend a path, focus areas, and number of sessions. You’ll find more info on the Mentorship & Services page.
Do you offer mentorship or one-on-one training?
You can totally submit work after the course ends, but there’s a separate fee. Check the Review Options page for details.
What if I want feedback after the course ends?
Final boards need to be turned in by the Wednesday before the last class to be included in your final review.
Can I turn in my storyboards late and still get feedback?
If it's still within the first week, and there's room in your tier, then yes! After Week 2 though, the course is locked and loaded.
What if I just found out about the class, but it’s already started? Can I still join?
No stress. All classes are recorded and posted to the class Vimeo page, so you can watch (or rewatch) whenever it works for you.
What if I can’t make class live?
Yes—if you’re in the Full Review Tier, you’ll get detailed recorded feedback on your work, up to two in-depth video reviews—plus access to everyone else’s reviews (which is honestly one of the fastest ways to learn).
Will I get feedback?
Photoshop is super versatile. Storyboard Pro is the industry standard. Procreate is great too, especially for iPad users. You’ll be fine with whichever one you’re most comfortable with. You'll just need a viewing pane where you can cycle through your storyboard panels. This is critical and the best way to see how your storytelling is working.
What software do you recommend for beginners?
You’ll need a digital drawing setup like a Cintiq or iPad. Most students use Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, or Procreate.
Do I need fancy gear?
All levels. I’ve taught pros, students, hobbyists, and folks just cracking open Photoshop for the first time. If you’re excited about learning, this class will meet you where you are.
What level of experience is this course for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what students have asked in the past. Check it out, maybe you can find the answer to your question below.