Donyea

Available to hire

A visual art and engineering educator and professional artist based in Atlanta with experience teaching students from kindergarten through high school.

About

A visual art and engineering educator and professional artist based in Atlanta with experience teaching students from kindergarten through high school. I hold a Master of Education in P–12 Engineering Education from Mercer University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from The College of Wooster. As both an educator and a practicing artist, I enjoy designing engaging, standards-based lessons that blend creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application. My teaching is rooted in culturally responsive pedagogy, and I strive to create classroom spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and confident in their creative abilities.

Outside the classroom, I work as a freelance artist and illustrator and have collaborated with organizations and brands including Nike, New Balance, Neiman Marcus, SCAD, and the National Black Arts Foundation. I am a published illustrator, exhibited artist, and curriculum designer who values community partnerships and interdisciplinary learning. Whether I’m guiding students through a design challenge, organizing an art showcase, or creating professional artwork, my goal is always the same: to inspire creativity, amplify student voice, and help young artists see themselves as capable, innovative creators.
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  • Joined January 2026

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Non-Profit Organization

More experts in Atlanta, United States

Projects · 10

Janet.

Digital illustration, Procreate 828 × 1472 px 2021

  • Artist
Coloring Book Cover Art for Rediscovering Black Men In Music

Illustrator for Atlanta Pianist, Cedrice Young's, one of a kind Children's Coloring book that highlights historic Black Men in Music. It's interactive and educational for all age groups. I also served as the illustrator for the Black Women in Music.

  • Children’s Book Illustrator
Nike Shoe Designer Promotional Flyer

As part of my engineering class, I led a hands-on design project where middle school students created prototype shoes for a collaborative “shoe wall.” To extend the learning experience, I organized and pitched the idea for a guest talk by a Nike shoe designer, who shared her creative process and career insights to inspire students. I also coordinated a photoshoot in partnership with the school’s photography class, giving students the opportunity to showcase their designs and engage in a professional-style creative collaboration.

  • Flyer Designer
Black Lives Matter/ Stronger Together Mural (2021)

In partnership with a local Junior and Senior Academy Charter school, I helped to plan, execute the designs, budget and carry out the creation of this Street Mural during the Pandemic. It showcases a BLM Mural with every letter in “Black Lives Matter” displaying a historic moment in Black culture. The added Stronger Together Mural showcases different cultural background joining forces to show an alliance. I specifically designed and painted the “A” and “E” in the BLM Mural. I also painted and designed the Women’s Suffrage Fist in the Stronger Together Mural.

  • Art Director
  • Artist

Work experience

Visual Arts Instructor · (Classified)Jun 2025 – Present · 1 yr 6 mos

Teach visual arts to K–5 students across two elementary schools. Design and implement engaging, standards-based art lessons. Integrate art projects with core academic subjects to enhance learning. Organize student art exhibits and community showcases. Manage classroom materials, budgets, and art supply inventory. Foster creativity, inclusion, and artistic confidence in all students. Collaborate with staff and communicate student progress to families.

Engineering and Visual Arts Instructor · (Classified)Jan 2021 – Jun 2025 · 4 yrs 6 mos

I have developed an original curriculum for visual arts and engineering course, serving 6th through 10th grade students. I taught students how to apply the Engineering Design Process. Differentiated instruction promoting equity. I have guided students through partnership with organizations such as Lidl for my developing Arts Program. Developed students skills in using power tools and advanced technology. I have collaborated with Nike and New Balance shoe engineers/designers to bring introspective approach to classroom learning goals. I led many lessons with culturally responsive pedagogy in mind to foster inclusive creativity. I integrated composition, color theory, and art history to my art lessons. I taught students to utilize digital tablets, and create multimedia art.

Freelance Artist · Self Employed (Side Hustle)Apr 2016 – Present · 10 yrs 8 mos

Columbia Residential Shirt Designer for company-wide Unity Shirt Competition 3 Time Published Illustrator (2 Coloring Books (2020, 2022), 1 Poetry Book (2022)) Created visual marketing material for a Nike footwear designer, blending brand aesthetics with the designer’s unique style. Collaborated with a social media app for a IG Story Black History Month Template Collaborated with Neiman Marcus, National Black Arts Foundation and SCAD to bring together lovers of Art and Fashion in celebration of talented African-American Visual Artists and Fashion Designers in support of NBAF’s youth arts education programs in Atlanta Public Schools, providing under-served middle and high school students with skills training and exposure into different careers in the arts. Collaborated with FIBA-certified coach Samir St. Clair on the original logo design (Bottom). An updated version was created (Top). Ohio Based Food Truck Logo Designer for The Toasted Bun

Education

Masters of Education · Mercer University2022 – 2025
Bachelors Degree in Art · The College of Wooster2016 – 2020

Certifications and awards· 6

Columbia Residential Shirt Designer Unity Contest Winner2020
BLM Muralist for local Atlanta Charter School2021
Exhibited Artist (2018, 2020, 2021)2018 – 2021
Senior Independent Study Thesis2019 – 2026

https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9022/ https://woosterartdepartment.myportfolio.com/donyea-ruffin

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