Image art or image boards, as they're often called, is generally a crucial point of development in the genesis of an animated or live action film. In animation especially, due to the stylized use of color and contrast for dramatics, image art plays a crucial role in defining mood, atmosphere, and texture of the images to be eventually filmed. It helps the creators visualize key scenes and dramatic moments in their works and is also often used to help pitch the concept to possible funders and production houses. Image art is just as often used in Hollywood as it is in Japan for anime.

Animation project Image art	Sequential projects Image art