Graphic designer by day, fine art teacher by night, Donna McCafferty has perfected the art of balancing her two passions. At her studio, she works on design projects and meets with clients in the barn-style loft. Downstairs, she utilizes the space as classroom. But that’s the sharpest division in the studio, where McCafferty’s managed to seamlessly blend two careers into one.
“My business is three-quarters design and one-quarter fine art,” McCafferty explains. “They really do marry each other.”
And moving from graphic designer into her teacher’s role is perhaps easier than it sounds. She’s been mixing elements of both positions for years. In her design work, McCafferty draws from her fine art sensibilities, infusing logos and campaigns with a self-described “colorful, painterly” style. And in her classroom, she adds graphic design projects in addition to drawing and painting assignments.
Since 1989, McCafferty has headed her own design business. Launching in Chester County before moving to Doylestown, her new studio in Pipersville opened in 2007. Her clients range from major pharmaceutical companies and residential communities to colleges and small businesses.
“My strength is creating a look and a brand for your company,” says McCafferty. “I really look at the benefit to the client and strengthen the brand to meet their goals.”
And while many of her clients have established reputations, she’s also equipped to take a nascent small business through the initial advertising and marketing phases. “I investigate their needs, their market, do a lot of research about their competition and discover the edge they have over their competition,” she explains. “I’ll figure out what we need to do first to reach the market whether it’s a Web site, brochures or mailings.”
The deadline-oriented work can tire out even the energetic McCafferty, which makes her retreat to the downstairs studio for evening classes all the more enjoyable. Students of all ages and skill levels come for instruction in watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels and charcoal among other mediums.
“Most of my students are very serious about what they do,” McCafferty says. “It’s so rewarding to watch them enjoy it and explore what’s inside of them.”
And as easily as she discerns a client’s needs in her graphic design business, McCafferty is equally adept at focusing and nurturing her students’ strengths. Teenage students often leave her tight-knit classes with a bulging fine art portfolio for college reviews. Others follow in McCafferty’s footsteps and pursue graphic design. Most of them – especially those who discover their artistic proclivities later in life – continue taking classes for years.
Because they’re associated with McCafferty, students are afforded the opportunity to gain exposure as artists in their own right. McCafferty, who last month exhibited her work at Saxby’s Coffee, will be unveiling her students’ pieces in the same space in February. And in January, McCafferty and her students will be orchestrating their first community-service project, an exhibit in Harrisburg featuring original freedom-themed artwork printed on note cards. Proceeds from the Freedom Project will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation.
“It’s really exciting, especially the fact that the college-bound students will have a printed piece in their portfolio,” adds McCafferty. “With the concepts they’ve come up with, they’re learning about print and timing. This is extremely time-sensitive, like any graphic design project.”
Even for those who aren’t current clients or students, McCafferty welcomes the public to visit her studio. She recently introduced twice-a-month Saturday workshops, a standing invitation for those interested to draw live models, flowers and other objects in her studio. There are also plans for open house events to display both her and her students’ latest work. Looking for a unique holiday gift? The studio will be open Dec. 19 and 20 for Christmas shoppers.
It’s a hectic schedule, but McCafferty says she’s always looking forward to the next project or the next class. “I feel so blessed,” she says. “I’m thrilled to go to work every day. I thank God, my husband and my family every day.”
Go online at www.donnamccafferty.com
or call 215.766.2746.