Nadine Donazzan
What made you decide to begin a career in colour?
My first Commercial job came about when I sat and watched the owner of a café I attended regularly looking at some wallpaper options. I approached him with my 2 year old on my hip and asked if he would consider giving me a look. I suggested I put a few different schedules together and if he didn’t like any of them then he has lost nothing but if he does then I get the job. He agreed and that’s how it all began. From here it unfolded and developed its own niche and I have been lucky enough to work with builders, architects and industry leaders such as Dulux, Taubmans, Wattyl and James Hardie.
Once the ball was rolling I knew I needed to study and further my natural passion and skills. I put a lot of time and work into looking at all the different colleges and iscd was way out front on every level.
I always knew that out of all the design elements, colour was what inspired me the most. I absolutely love it. I love how it is a living element and changes at all times of day. Colour doesn’t really follow the rules – it takes on a life of its own. I also love how colour can create very personal reactions and how much fear lies around choosing colour and getting it wrong and the indecisiveness this can cause.
What does a day look like for you?
The exciting part of my job is the fact that every day is different. Generally drop my little man to school, feed the caffeine habit and then it depends on what project I am working on.
- Working with Residential clients creating Colour schedules
I love the Residential work for the relationships that you develop with your clients, the fun, the energy, the invites to home cooked meals and glasses of champagne. People are always so grateful when the colours are chosen and their confusion and anxiety is put to rest.
- Working with a strata executive committee to create a look and feel for a building
Some days involve working closely with executive committee members to create a whole new look in their building. This is a completely different dynamic, as obviously everyone has their personal choice and preference for what they would like and my job is to look after everyone and make sure everyone feels heard. I then create a scheme based around not only environmental elements but also keeping all these other factors in mind.
- Working with commercial clients to create a coherent workspace
Commercial projects once again are a completely different process. I love these days, as it allows me to work closely with my tile, carpet, wallpaper and lighting suppliers. These days I’m out on the road a lot, so with a great soundtrack I make my way to different suppliers and collect samples, which I then present.
“We find this idea of absence and presence, obscuring and revealing, very relevant not only when it comes to color, but also in the way we live our everyday lives,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president,Pantone Color Institute. “On one hand, there is this wish to return to the simple, honest and unassuming, and on the flip side, a continuing presence of maximalist and a deep desire to stand out and be seen.”
About DNA Design
For more info on Nadine Donazzan and her business DNADesign visit the website dnadesign.com.au