#kai simons

To start off the series I've asked veteran advertising storyboard artist Kai Simons (Germany) for his top 5 tips to young artists. 

Kai's been in the industry since 1990, which means his 25th anniversary is coming up next year! He's worked through the entire shift in the industry from old fashioned pencil sketches to the digital age and is more than willing to share stories when he's got a minute. Which is rare as he's usually busy making boards or concept sketches for agencies like BBDO, Ogily & Mather, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, McCann, Leo Burnett.. in short; all the big ones. And no wonder; his artwork is impeccable. 

Here are his 5 top tips for upcoming storyboard artists: 

1. Stay calm, be patient. Art directors cannot answer your mails immediately ( being chased by meetings and deadlines ) - but they appreciate it very much when YOU answer THEIR mails immediately. It can be nervy to wait for hours until you get comments on your work, yes, but that´s the job.

2. Try to improve the storyboard by making proposals. Sometimes you may have an idea that helps telling the story better. And accept, when this is rejected- there will be reasons ( for example: somebody higher ranked already approved the scribbles, so the perspectives are "carved in marble"- even if not helpful).

3. Never give something away, that is "half-finished". Never. Never. Your clients will be disappointed, that´s all. They won´t see what you have in mind to improve.

4. Be motivated. You should be in anything you do, but in this very special service industry it´s absolutely necessary.

5. Sometimes art directors have nothing but a script. Help them, do their homework and don´t think about it. It´s the perfect start when you go from your own scribbles.

Kai's fifth tip is gold: If you want a client to stick with you; go above and beyond. Hold their hand. Suggest improvements where they are needed. I remember my first calls as an Art Director to artists such as Trevor Gustafson and John Castro. When they sensed I was brand new they held my hand and made my work look much better than I deserved. In return the Art Director will treat you nicely in return.

Kai also shared one of his latest boards done with Art Director Christian Leuffert from Heye Hamburg (a part of DDB Worldwide). The boards are actually a combination of Kai's drawings as well as Kai's 3D rendered environments. Kai says it actually saves him time to do the surroundings in 3D. Proves that after 25 years as an artist he's still on the cutting edge.