Keen Bee Creative
About
Julianne Donovan is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, artist and owner of Keen Bee Creative since 2006. Her global travels accompanied by the ever-flowing variety of projects handled from concept to delivery, contributes to her well-rounded, multi-cultural visual communication background. Julianne is whole-heartedly excited to be a Professor at William Jewell College teaching Digital Media Communications. Here’s a bit about her unconventional approach and background...
To stay abreast with current industry trends, Julianne applies her keen design and marketing insight to a multitude of client and business to business (B2B) projects including: toy design, children’s book and magazine editorial illustrations, billboard, mural and window display advertising, corporate re-branding, multi-media marketing development (print and digital outreach), greeting card design and illustration plus product packaging design. Whether Julianne is teaching, presenting, creating or leading, her ability to bring a client’s vision to life never fails.
At the Design Hive, Julianne guides individuals and groups (from beginner to advanced) in learning traditional and digital art and design techniques. On site, Julianne uses new and existing business relationships to bring living projects into the classroom utilizing whatever she needs to exceed project, assignment and student expectations.
Digital Design:Adobe Creative Suite from desktop to mobile, from hard copy to digital. Focusing on the integration of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, etc. in creating robust visual communication designs from the ground up while following design principals, marketing research and projected trends.
Fine Art: life drawing, illustration, painting, color theory, sculpture, etc. Using various mediums by hand or digitally, Julianne teaches students the fundamentals of creating and applying great design.
Performance Craft:HD, theatrical and FX makeup, prosthetic, hair, wig, and prop design and application as well as dressing room and makeup proficiency, wool felting, embroidery, jewelry design, leather dyeing in creating character specific wears, masks, wigs, hair accessories & realistic props.
Julianne’s successful path working in the creative industry for over 12 years illustrates her distinct commitment to staying current with all aspects of it’s technology, design, project research, marketing and communication. Her robust career began with her BFA in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas plus her Army Reserves service for almost 9 years. As a Combat Medic (EMT qualified) using and developing moulage makeup for triage modules, she continued training as an Officer in the Photo Journalism and Public Relation fields. Her college and military background lead to key in-house illustration, design, public relation and art director positions as well as teaching Computers in Design, Art Fundamentals, Design Foundations and Drawing courses for 5 years at Penn Valley Community College.
Julianne is also an esteemed member and teaching artist of the Educational Theater Association (EdTA) and will be presenting throughout the nation (2018-2019) covering: theater marketing & community outreach, mindfulness vs meditation on and off stage, and wig & makeup character designs. Volunteer work with Jewell Theatre Company (2011-2018) along with other community theaters has blossomed into her community outreach for cancer patients (cleaning, fixing, styling wigs) and on-going recruitment for William Jewell College. Through her community outreach, EdTA and wig master training, Julianne has made wig design and makeup kits a bustling side profession.
Clients include Andrews McMeel Universal, Warner Books, The Folly Theater, Jewell Theatre Company, Starlight Theater, Kansas City Repertory Theater, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, EdTA, regional universities and high schools, among many others.
To view past client design work, please visit: www.keenbee.com
Current projects @ Keen Bee Creative Facebook Page
To protect the identity of the performers I work with, wig & hair portfolio available by request only
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have a few in-take questions to figure out what the student is looking to accomplish, any previous classes or art work and general get-to-know-you questions. Before starting the first lesson, I usually FaceTime or meet in person answer any missed questions, set up a class schedule, discuss materials needed and make sure (if the student is a minor) that they are comfortable with the lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Please see my bio (About) which outlines my education and training.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It depends on the number of lessons, class period (duration), level of student, age of student, teaching material & prep work, location, etc.
Usually students/parents/clients have a budget and I will create the lessons to fit within their budget. I may give discounts based on income as I want everyone to have access to learning art & design!
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching found me! The teaching gigs I get are a result of helping someone with a design or art question... Through the grapevine I usually get a call and get asked to teach or present. I used to joke that I should have business cards that said, “If I can teach my dad how to use Facebook, I can teach anyone!” My dad was very lovely but technology frustrated him more than anything! I just kept calm and talked through the steps until he understood. I like to teach in a way that everyone can learn since everyone comprehends information differently and at different rates.
What types of students have you worked with?
Various ages (6-75 years old), artistically inclined, artistically disinclined, various educational backgrounds, etc. No matter who you are, if you want to learn how to create, I can teach you.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
International Thespian Festival! It’s where so many creative high school kids get to be themselves while creating for the theatrical stage. It’s a fun week long festival that connects me to my young roots and gives me a different perspective than when I’m teaching college students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you have time, ask your teacher for student and professional references that you can contact. Then compare the references feedback to what you find online.
Please don’t be afraid to show your past artwork as it helps your teacher create classes specifically for you. You will learn more, have fun and stay interested!
If they don’t mention materials, ask the teacher what materials they will provide (what’s included) and what you need to bring.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you want to learn how to create art with traditional means (not on a computer), do you own the tools to get started? If you want to learn a computer based application, do you have a computer that runs the application you want to learn? No matter what, most teachers can help you find the materials via buying, rental, etc.