B I O

Bil Donovan is an artist, fashion illustrator and educator. Donovan subscribes to the idea that less is more and uses this premise to create work that is elegant with a timeless style.

Donovan’s ideal of glamour and beauty have nurtured a working relationship with the cosmetics, beauty and fragrance industries. In April 2009 Christian Dior Beauty named Bil Donovan as their first Artist-In-Residence. In this role Donovan serves as an illustrator at selected events, creates promotional illustrations, consults on product launches and acts as an ambassador for the brand.

Donovan’s unique style combining elegance and wit is evident in the illustrations gracing the pages of the Harper Collins publication of Edith Head’s “The Dress Doctor”, Prescriptions For Style From A to Z”.

Bil uses selectivity as a backdrop for his work. His ability to capture the essence of a fleeting moment or spirit of a personality with a minimal amount of time and detail initiated a working relationship with Vogue which commissioned Bil to capture events and create portraits of the attendees at various Vogue special events.

InStyle magazine enlisted Donovan to capture live, with brush and ink, the character and spirit of Meg Ryan at a LA photo shoot as Ms Ryan modeled the Fall collections for an October issue.

Donovan also employs brush and ink to a variety of genres outside of the world of fashion. Applying the same vision and style to a myriad of projects he was

commissioned by The St. Regis Hotel Chain to create a series of illustrations for a limited edition boxed set commemorating the 75^th anniversary of its signature Bloody Mary Cocktail.

Lifestyle, environmental and architectural illustrations for Laspata Decaro agency for brochures and billboards, mailers, signage and window displays for Lancôme, packaging design and a series of a limited edition of note cards for Dior Beauty. One of the note card images, “Dior Café,” was selected for inclusion in the Society of Illustrators 52^nd Annual Show and publication of the same title.

Donovan’s elegant and sophisticated images have been included in many exhibits most recently the Night and Day at the Museum of The Fashion Institute of Technology and highlighted in The Line Of Fashion at the Museum of the Society of American Illustrators.

Bil Donovan has had an ongoing relationship with FIT, first, as a student, then advisor, mentor and presently as an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Illustration Department where he teaches Illustration that reflects the contemporary market.

Donovan is the author of Advanced Fashion Drawing/Lifestyle Illustration, which draws upon his experience as an educator, student and professional. Advanced Fashion Drawing, published by Laurence King U.K. is unique. As a textbook it promotes the idea of observation, thinking and selectivity through a series of exercises and demonstrations that explore the concepts of line, shape and composition. Beautiful illustrations from a variety of renowned artists grace each chapter, inspiring the student and validating the information. Advanced Fashion Drawing/ Lifestyle Illustration will be available Fall 2010.

As a fine artist Bil makes work under the name of William Donovan. These paintings, drawings and sculptures contrast sharply with the spirit and light of his illustrations. Although a fascination with the figure is still evident the genesis of this work centers on personal experiences and memories, executed in unorthodox materials such as, poured enamel, glitter and rubber. For further information click here.

Bil Donovan’s artistic journey began in his birthplace of South Philadelphia where for two years he attended evening classes at The Art institute of Philadelphia.

A desire to pursue a career in fashion illustration initiated a move to New York and a degree in Illustration from The Fashion Institute of Technology. A thirst for knowledge, a competitive spirit and motivation to nurture his talent resulted in a seven-year crusade to attend as many classes as possible. Freelancing while studying at The School of Visual Arts, The Art Students League and Parsons School of Art and Design had the desired effect and Donovan’s style began to develop and earn recognition.

Fulfilling a life long dream, he embarked on a three-month sojourn to Europe to experience life, art and opportunity. Three months evolved into seven years of living and working in Milan and Paris. Donovan credits this invaluable experience in shaping his sensibility and style and returned home to New York to test the waters and established a working relationship with the Advertising, Beauty, Editorial and Fashion markets.

 A return to New York also persuaded Bil to share his experience as others had so generously done for him. Donovan returned to FIT upon request as a guest speaker,

Advisory board member, a mentor in the BFA program and eventually found himself in a familiar space, a room full of easels. However standing on the opposite side of the easel as an instructor presented a new set of challenges, discoveries and eventually gratification. The ability to share information is rewarding and to better share this gift Bil returned to another familiar space, The School of Visual Arts, to attain a BFA in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts.

Bil currently resides in the East Village in New York City and works from his creative utopia a studio in Tribeca.