Bee Knisely ’24, AGA, stretches their creative muscles in unexpected ways
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
When Bee Knisely ’24 was still a student at PCA&D, they were known for being invested in their fellow Animation & Game Art peers getting along.
And now, in addition to working on creative side projects (more on that later), that gift is apparent in their job as a school Building Aide. “I walk around the whole building and help out any teacher that might need a break or help any kid that might be struggling to understand material, or if they simply need to go on a walk with me and talk about anything,” Knisely says. “I give kids a place to bring up concerns so that someone more qualified than me can get information and take the reins if it’s outside my expertise.
“My local school takes in all kinds of kids and I work with pretty much anyone and everyone at least once.”
How does Knisely stretch their creative muscles not only in their day job, but also in their animation practice, which continues? We asked them about those skills, as well as their time at PCA&D:
What drew you to Animation & Game Art at PCA&D?
Bee Knisely: When I was looking at collages I knew I wanted to either be an animator or storyboarder. I looked around at a lot of schools, but none of them really had something specific to animation. But then I found PCA&D.
Do you remember what drew you to PCA&D in the first place?
BK: I went to one of their Open Houses and was really drawn to independent living and we also had a virtual Open House-type Zoom meeting. And in meeting other people who were applying for this school, it felt like I found “my people,” if you know what I mean.
This was in your Senior Show bio: “Bee loves creating things that will make others smile and to create a safe space for those who are troubled. Bee strives to make every voice, especially the smaller ones, be heard and seen.” How does that translate into the work you’re now doing with students?
BK: I always try to make my students’ days. Even if they are having the worst days of their lives, I try to make them smile once. Again, I want to be that safe space where they feel like they can wholely be themselves, regardless of what’s going on at home.
I also really want to encourage them to continue being creative if they love that kind of stuff. The art teacher and I really work together to encourage some of the kids that we see a lot of creativity in to keep at it, even if it’s hard.
Can you describe a typical day for you?
BK: I wake up at 6:00 am and get ready to go to the school where my workplace is. My day is spent going from room to room, sometimes with specific kids if a teacher needs me to take them out and do any independent work, and just helping out. After work, I come home at around 3:30 pm. Currently, I will take an hour to work on an animation I’m doing for the school musical. And then after that is mostly free time.
What else are you working on in your creative practice?
BK: I’m also working as a storyboard artist on an independent project with a small team that I’m not sure I can talk too much about yet. But in short, yes! Definitely still continuing my creative endeavors.
Who were your mentors at PCA&D?
BK: Definitely Matt Novak and Natasha Warshawsky, genuinely some of the most down-to-earth and best mentors I’ve had. They’re very encouraging and give amazing critique on work.
Were there any experiences at PCA&D that were especially formative or important to you?
BK: Honestly, meeting my fiance for the first time. PCA&D had paired us up as roommates our first year and it was genuinely so fun to set up our apartment together and we clicked instantly. A lot of good memories in the first apartment we shared.
Do you have any advice for students to make the most of their time at PCA&D?
BK: Please talk to your professors. I think PCA&D professors are some of the best resources ever so if you need a deadline extended, talk to your professor, if you’re feeling like the work is moving too fast, talk to your professor, they will always be there to help you out and get you resources to make sure you bring your best to classes. Also, please apply to jobs, even IF you think there’s no way you could get the job. The worst a company can do is not reply.
If readers want to see more of your work, should they go here: https://beeknisely.
BK: My carrd is a great place to go! I have a lot of my portfolio work there but I also have an Instagram and BlueSky if you wanna see me active!
Image: Self-portrait by Bee Knisely