Montclair New Jersey native Donna Bonavita was a 2018 inductee into the Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey. As the Creative Director and Principal of Bonavita Design LLC, Donna realizes a brand vision through concepts and executions to develop and support of targeted strategies and marketing initiatives. This approach has enabled Donna to successfully develop cohesive designs and communication solutions that create value in the marketplace. Her objective has always been to provide smart solutions that drive revenue for her clients.
Donna’s client list is extensive and includes such names as Citibank, Forest Laboratories, Inc., Money magazine, NBC, The New York Times, The Newark Museum, Newark Symphony Hall, The University of Chicago, Sappi Fine Paper, Shearson Lehman and Warner Brothers. While many of Donna’s projects have received national acclaim, none have had more of an impact than her work with the Pearson family and their support of the Nobel Peace Prize. Each year the Nobel Peace Prize Concert brings together artists from around the world to host a concert that pays tribute to the year’s Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Donna developed the brand for the Global Benefactor of the Nobel Peace Center and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway.
Donna has a substantial editorial design background. She served as a deputy art director of McCall’s magazine and as the art director of World magazine. Before striking out on her own, Donna served as the Global Creative Director for international professional services firm KPMG. She was responsible for setting standards for the KPMG brand through the development of high-profile corporate design solutions. In that role, she helped establish a brand identity that spanned 143 countries, demonstrating not only her keen design sensibility, but also leadership skills that helped align the brand across cultures and set the benchmark for the KPMG brand.
Donna has set high standards for the creative profession for most of her career. She has taught, mentored and served as a source of inspiration to colleagues, students and others through her creativity and dedication to design excellence. Donna has served as a judge for national and tristate design competitions as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the NJ Art Director’s Club.
Additionally, Donna has received hundreds of local, national and international design awards including a Best of Show from organizations such as ADCNJ, the Society of Publication Designers, The American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Art Directors Club, Communication Arts, Graphis, IABC, International ARC Awards, Mead 60, Print, NJ Ad Club and GDUSA. Most recently, she won several awards from the New Jersey Ad Club for brand identity and promotional marketing work. This recognition secures Donna’s spot as a top contributor to advancing the industry. Donna has also written and designed a children’s book illustrated by Henrik Dresher and is represented in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in NYC.
Donna also dedicates her time and talents to many organizations. She has donated advertising and brand design services for Habitat for Humanity; the City of Newark Police Department; The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts, the University of Chicago; and The Pearson Family Members Fund.
While Donna’s creative and design influence is far-reaching, she continues to contribute to hometown of Montclair, creating the town’s First Night Montclair Promotional Poster as well as initiatives that help to drive economic contribution to the state. She also has a passion for Newark’s revitalization, as is evidenced by her work with the Newark Museum and Newark Symphony Hall.
