Katleen Bolanos | Based in Los Angeles, California
I studied at California State University, Long Beach, and received my BFA in Illustration/Animation. I am an aspiring producer, concept artist, or illustrator. I like to cater my portfolio and skills to character design, illustration, and environmental art. Through intensive studies in anatomy, figure drawing, perspective, and color theory, I developed a semi-realistic art style. During my creative process, I carefully choose color palettes to best reflect the personalities of my characters, the design of their props, and the tone of their environments. Moreover, in the spring of 2023, I was the producer for the "Limited Edition" student gallery held at CSULB; in this gallery, the students showcased their portfolios to guests, educators, and recruiters. As the producer, I directed curators, designers, digital media, and event management teams, facilitating cross-department communication to align with our theme, adhere to gallery guidelines, and launch successfully on opening night. The gallery had an excellent turnout and my portfolio was featured on the CSULB School of Art official Instagram, @csulb_schoolofart. Through this experience, I developed strong collaborative leadership, event coordination, and interpersonal communication skills.
As a specialist at Apple Retail, I assist thousands of customers per quarter per quarter by delivering personalized product and service recommendations, driving customer satisfaction. I also assist Genius Bar operations by scheduling appointments, triaging the repair queue, managing pickups, and identifying ownership-over-repair opportunities, ensuring timely customer assistance. In this role, I am gaining valuable coordination experience and utilize my problem solving skills by addressing inefficiencies within the establishment.
When I am not working or drawing, I can be found spending time with my friends and family, watching my favorite shows, or playing story-based video games. I use Discord almost "religiously" to keep in touch with friends and search for resources to further my development as an artist or a producer. I am also a huge fan of EDM, always in search of shows featuring my favorite artists such as ODESZA, Deadmau5, and Kx5.
Education
2019-2023
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration/Animation
Projects
Producer
“Limited Edition” Art Gallery | Long Beach, CA | Jan 2023 - May 2023
- Managed a team of 40 graduating BFA, Animation and Pre-production, students to organize a gallery showcasing our final portfolios for the public and recruiters.
- Directed curators, designers, digital media, and event management teams, facilitating cross-department communication to align with our theme, adhere to gallery guidelines, and launch successfully on opening night.
- Coordinated all fundraising events that exceeded budget expectations and secured spare funding for another successful animation showcase.
“Limited Edition” Art Gallery | Long Beach, CA | Jan 2023 - May 2023
- Managed a team of 40 graduating BFA, Animation and Pre-production, students to organize a gallery showcasing our final portfolios for the public and recruiters.
- Directed curators, designers, digital media, and event management teams, facilitating cross-department communication to align with our theme, adhere to gallery guidelines, and launch successfully on opening night.
- Coordinated all fundraising events that exceeded budget expectations and secured spare funding for another successful animation showcase.
Production Assistant
"Danger for a Duo” Student Film | Remote | May 2023 - July 2023
- Facilitated workflow for a team of 11 animators by managing the production schedule and ensuring deadlines were consistently met.
- Organized and drove weekly check-in meetings, documenting discussions and distributing notes to support clear communication across the team.
"Danger for a Duo” Student Film | Remote | May 2023 - July 2023
- Facilitated workflow for a team of 11 animators by managing the production schedule and ensuring deadlines were consistently met.
- Organized and drove weekly check-in meetings, documenting discussions and distributing notes to support clear communication across the team.
Producer
“Me & Mẹ” Student Film | Long Beach, CA | Jan 2022 - May 2022
- Established a production schedule, delegated scene assignments to a team of 10 animators, and produced tutorial videos as a solution to maintain a cohesive visual style.
- Partnered with the director to guide storyboards and concept designs, influencing key creative decisions that shaped the final film.
- Executed the full post-production workflow, including sequencing animated scenes in Adobe Premiere Pro, syncing composed music, refining timing and pacing, and finalizing the complete animated film.
“Me & Mẹ” Student Film | Long Beach, CA | Jan 2022 - May 2022
- Established a production schedule, delegated scene assignments to a team of 10 animators, and produced tutorial videos as a solution to maintain a cohesive visual style.
- Partnered with the director to guide storyboards and concept designs, influencing key creative decisions that shaped the final film.
- Executed the full post-production workflow, including sequencing animated scenes in Adobe Premiere Pro, syncing composed music, refining timing and pacing, and finalizing the complete animated film.
Gallery Trading Card - 2023
Check out my latest favorite song!