Donato’s inspirations range from The Lord of the Rings and visits to the well-trodden steps of the local library, to pilgrimages to the greatest museums of the world and works like Gericault’s Raft of the Medusa.. Recognizing the significant cultural role played by the visual arts, Donato makes an effort to contribute to the expansion and appreciation of the science fiction and fantasy genre by appearing at various institutions, tournaments, and conventions around the world to perform demonstrations in oil paint and lecture on his aesthetics. Since beginning his professional career in 1993, Donato’s list of clients has grown rapidly; notables include the United Nations, LucasArts, National Geographic, CNN, DC Comics, Microsoft, Playboy magazine, Wizards of the Coast, Sony, The Science Fiction Book Club, Tor Books, Random House, Milton-Bradley, Time/Warner, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Hasbro. He has been honored with the Jack Gaughan Award for Best Emerging Artist in 1998; eleven Chesley Awards, including one for Artistic Achievement; the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist; and multiple silver and gold medals from Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.

Donato lives with his wife and two daughters in Brooklyn, New York.