Don Donovan is a well accomplished Illustrator and author and is a very intelligent, humble man. Don has had an impressive career composed of two main pathways. Firstly Don had a very successful advertising career in New Zealand after leaving the world of advertising Don then pursued his passions for illustrating and writing, he has had phenomenal success with both.

Don was born in South London in January 1933. Don lived in fear at the early stages of his life moving from air raid shelter to air raid shelter to avoid enemy bombs as he was caught during the blitz of World War II. Don was forced to leave school at the age of 15, as his family was not financially secure. He initially started work in an art studio and it was here that he set his heart upon a career in the world of arts. After Don got married in 1955. Don and his wife Pat moved to New Zealand in 1960.

In New Zealand Don started his advertising career working his way up through the ranks to be the managing director of one of the biggest domestic advertising companies in New Zealand. He was also a proprietor and a majority shareholder. In 1990 Don left his job, this suited him well as his first book had just been published (New Zealand Odyssey). Over the years Don has done lots of writing and illustrating for his own books and has contributed greatly in helping other people write and produce their books. Don also does some radio work with Jim Mora on Radio New Zealand’s: ‘Afternoons’.

Don Donovan is a fascinating man and truly inspirational. He managed to work his way up from humble beginnings to become a highly successful advertising executive, writer and illustrator, as well as encourage and inspire those also setting out on a career in the arts. A review given by the famous author Colin Dexter described Don's work as “Beautifully splendid work”. Don is an inspirational kiwi with many great stories to share.