Application Guide

How to Apply for Freelance Senior Storyboard Artist

at Kurzgesagt

🏢 About Kurzgesagt

Kurzgesagt is a renowned animation studio known for its visually stunning and scientifically accurate educational videos on YouTube, reaching millions of viewers. Working here means contributing to content that makes complex science accessible and engaging, with a strong emphasis on creativity and precision.

About This Role

As a Freelance Senior Storyboard Artist, you will translate scientific scripts into compelling visual narratives, setting the artistic tone for videos. Your storyboards will guide the animation process, ensuring clarity, flow, and scientific accuracy, directly impacting how millions understand and appreciate science.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve receiving a script from the Creative Director, breaking down the scientific concepts, and sketching initial storyboard frames. You'll collaborate with the team to refine visual tone, create styleframes, and iterate based on feedback, all while managing your freelance schedule to meet deadlines.

🎯 Who Kurzgesagt Is Looking For

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📝 Tips for Applying to Kurzgesagt

1

Tailor your portfolio to include storyboards that explain complex topics clearly, showcasing your ability to simplify science visually.

2

Research Kurzgesagt's visual style and demonstrate how your work aligns with their aesthetic, while also showing your unique creative flair.

3

Highlight any experience with educational content or science communication, as this shows you understand the core mission.

4

In your application, mention your familiarity with their YouTube channel and specific videos you admire, explaining why.

5

Since the role is freelance and based in Germany, clarify your availability and willingness to work in German time zones if you're remote.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

- Emphasize your ability to translate complex scientific scripts into engaging visual stories, with examples. - Showcase your experience in creating styleframes and moodboards, and how you've used them to set artistic direction. - Demonstrate your speed and efficiency in producing storyboards without compromising quality, using past project timelines as proof. - Express your passion for science communication and how your skills can help Kurzgesagt's mission.

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch several Kurzgesagt videos to understand their storytelling patterns, visual metaphors, and pacing.
  • → Study their visual style, including color palettes, character design, and infographic usage, to align your work.
  • → Read their about page and any interviews with the team to grasp their creative philosophy and work culture.
  • → Check if they have any blog posts or behind-the-scenes content about their storyboarding process.
Visit Kurzgesagt's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach storyboarding a video about quantum mechanics for a general audience?
2 Describe a time you had to balance artistic creativity with scientific accuracy. How did you resolve conflicts?
3 How do you manage your time when working on multiple storyboards with tight deadlines?
4 Can you walk us through your process for creating a styleframe and moodboard for a new video?
5 How do you handle feedback from a Creative Director to revise your storyboards while maintaining the original vision?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic portfolio without any science-related or educational animation samples.
  • Avoid ignoring the specific requirement for speed; don't present overly polished but slow processes without showing quick turnaround work.
  • Don't overlook the need for scientific accuracy; ensure your storyboards don't misrepresent concepts, even in rough sketches.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kurzgesagt!