CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL
BONAVITA DESIGN LLC, MONTCLAIR NJ
Donna Bonavita’s approach to design has much to do with her roots — a reflection of how she was taught to see the world — to listen, acknowledge and appreciate. She realizes a brand vision through solid concepts and executions driven by working collaboratively. Her understanding of business, proven ability to work resourcefully, comfortably direct top-level management projects during tightly scheduled time-frames and budgets, and continually produce award winning work, remains key to hundreds of successful projects. Prior to founding her own firm, Donna held various creative leadership positions. Among other accomplishments, as Creative Director of Global Design, KPMG, she established a brand identity that spanned 143 countries, demonstrating skills that helped align the brand across cultures. Additionally, she propelled World Magazine to international design acclaim; and developed the brand for the Global Benefactor of the Nobel Peace Center and Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo — The Pearson Family Members Fund. Recently completing the rebrand of Command Companies, among the country’s largest privately-held printers, Donna has written and designed a children’s book illustrated by Henrik Dresher; taught/lectured on graphic design; served as a judge for various competitions; is represented in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum; and is a 2018 inductee into the Advertising Hall of Fame of NJ. Donna pays tribute to “all those who made her collection of work come to life and for the opportunity to see through the eyes of others.”
THE FUTURE OF THE GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS?
As technology continues to expand (eg. VR and AR) there’s unbounded opportunity. The evolving structure of increased participation between the designer and the audience alters the landscape of design. However, as some rote aspects of design will be done by machines, designers need to integrate human aspects into the solution in order to remain relevant and successful. Otherwise, there is danger of falling into the trap of homogeneous design that lacks an idea or concept as well as emotion.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Newark NJ / Montclair NJ
A DESIGN HERO?
Paul Rand
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
LinkedIn, at the moment
FAVORITE TELEVISION BINGE WATCH?
Finding Your Roots
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Unobscured, Household Name
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Mists of Avalon
FAVORITE MOVIE?
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Vincent Van Gogh
FAVORITE CAUSE/CHARITY?
Saint Joseph’s Indian School (Lakota boys and girls) and Disabled American Veterans
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Singing
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER?
Singing and writing which, fortunately, I can fold into some of my current work
