Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

Creative Director and illustrator specializing in developing original, trend-forward artwork for children’s publications, educational publishing, greeting cards, stationery, packaging, and home décor. Expert at turning illustration into compelling, market- ready collections that connect with consumers and drive retail success. Combines hands-on creative leadership with strategic thinking to guide teams, spark innovation, and deliver commercially impactful design solutions. Passionate about mentoring talent and building collaborative, efficient creative environments.…Creative Director and illustrator specializing in developing original, trend-forward artwork for children’s publications, educational publishing, greeting cards, stationery, packaging, and home décor. Expert at turning illustration into compelling, market- ready collections that connect with consumers and drive retail success. Combines hands-on creative leadership with strategic thinking to guide teams, spark innovation, and deliver commercially impactful design solutions. Passionate about mentoring talent and building collaborative, efficient creative environments.

Donna Catanese

Creative Director, Designer, Illustrator, +2





Creative Director and illustrator specializing in developing original, trend-forward artwork for children’s publications, educational publishing, greeting cards, stationery, packaging, and home décor. Expert at turning illustration into compelling, market- ready collections that connect with consumers and drive retail success. Combines hands-on creative leadership with strategic thinking to guide teams, spark innovation, and deliver commercially impactful design solutions. Passionate about mentoring talent and building collaborative, efficient creative environments.…Creative Director and illustrator specializing in developing original, trend-forward artwork for children’s publications, educational publishing, greeting cards, stationery, packaging, and home décor. Expert at turning illustration into compelling, market- ready collections that connect with consumers and drive retail success. Combines hands-on creative leadership with strategic thinking to guide teams, spark innovation, and deliver commercially impactful design solutions. Passionate about mentoring talent and building collaborative, efficient creative environments.

Available to hire

Creative Director and illustrator
specializing in developing original,
trend-forward artwork for children’s publications, educational publishing, greeting
cards, stationery, packaging, and
home décor. Expert at turning
illustration into compelling, market-
ready collections that connect
with consumers and drive retail
success. Combines hands-on creative
leadership with strategic thinking to
guide teams, spark innovation, and
deliver commercially impactful design
solutions. Passionate about mentoring
talent and building collaborative,
efficient creative environments.

Skills

Surface Pattern Design

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Surface Pattern Design

Expert

Expert

Expert

Beginner

Beginner

Beginner

Beginner

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director at Convivial Brands / Design Design Inc

January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2026

Directed a multidisciplinary creative team delivering greeting cards, gift packaging, stationery, and tableware for boutique shops and major national retailers. Led end-to-end creative process from concept to production, aligning artistry with operational efficiency. Achieved notable retailer placements and growth; contributed to a 20% sales lift across core categories. Expanded distribution to over 2,000 retail doors and supported sales through custom product development and tailored merchandising strategies. Implemented a capacity planning tool to streamline workflow and improve on-time delivery. Recruited and art-directed freelance illustrators and studios while managing vendor relationships and compliance.

Creative Director at Brooklyn Nest

January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021

Directed a global network of 25+ artists and designers across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Oversaw the creation and licensing of artwork for stationary, greeting cards, fashion apparel, textiles, gift packaging, and hard goods. Led custom client projects from concept to delivery, ensuring on-time execution for diverse international markets. Developed and executed trade show strategies to boost brand visibility and client engagement. Championed trend forecasting and innovation to sustain Brooklyn Nest’s market position.

Lead Designer at JoAnn Fabric and Craft

January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018

Designed and launched the Warm Shop fabric line (fleece, flannel, nursery fabrics, and No-Sew Throw kits), delivering three consecutive years of sales growth and expanding JoAnn’s seasonal core business. Commissioned custom artwork and mentored junior designers, elevating design execution and delivering commercially successful seasonal fabric programs. Partnered with buyers to define seasonal color palettes and trend direction.

Founding Partner & Creative Director at Lucky Day Studio

January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2015

Founded and grew a print & pattern studio delivering custom artwork to leading national retailers. Directed a team of 7 freelance designers, providing creative vision, art direction, and trend-forward guidance to ensure market-relevant collections. Led trade show strategy and execution from sales and marketing to on-site presentations, strengthening client relationships and driving new business growth. Oversaw budgeting, invoicing, and client communications to ensure creative excellence and financial success.

Program Director at American Greetings

January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008

Championed creative excellence by mentoring a high-performing team of designers, driving stationery and sticker collections that delivered year-over-year sales growth in Target and Walmart Everyday lines. Spearheaded product innovation and trend forecasting, translating consumer insights into fresh assortments that captured market share and elevated retailer presence.

Senior Account Manager at Slover+Company

January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005

Served as primary client liaison, translating business goals into creative strategies and ensuring seamless communication between clients and the design team. Produced and directed high-profile photo shoots, managed stylists, models, props, and locations. Partnered with manufacturers, printers, and vendors to drive production innovation while overseeing timelines and budgets, delivering premium-quality outcomes and strengthening client relationships.

Senior Design Coordinator at Bath & Body Works

January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003

Directed multiple external design studios in executing Bath & Body Works’ first full-scale packaging redesign, establishing a refreshed, premium look across product lines. Pioneered label printing techniques that elevated shelf presence and consumer perception of quality and value.

Senior Line Designer at American Greetings & Creat-A-Card

January 1, 1993 - January 1, 2002

Designed greeting card programs for Target and promotional lines. Directed development of traditional and interactive e-cards, shaping design, color, and interface to boost consumer engagement. Provided creative direction to illustrators, photographers, and freelance designers, ensuring cohesive storytelling and timely delivery across product lines.

Freelance Illustrator at Donna Catanese Illustration+Design

January 1, 1993 - Present

Founded and led an independent illustration studio delivering original artwork for children’s publishing, educational materials, social expression products, and consumer products. Collaborated with leading clients including Highlights for Children, Scholastic, McGraw Hill, Harcourt, Time Magazine for Kids, American Greetings, JoAnn Fabric, At Home, Design Design, International Greetings, Pünchkins, Goofballs, Inc. to create brand-aligned illustrations and market-ready collections.