Tomasz Donocik
Creative Director of Tomasz Donocik
Behind the scenes: Design Ethos and Identity of Tomasz Donocik
London-based jewellery designer, Tomasz Donocik is an acclaimed craftsman and innovative designer who creates coveted items for a fashion-forward world. Over his career, Donocik has built an established jewellery brand and his signature style for edgy yet classical jewellery has made him popular within Britain and with a global market. Tomasz has built his brand by designing for both the silver and fine jewellery market, including bespoke commissions and has reignited his passion for embellishing other luxury items such as scarves and gloves. Tomasz gave a unique insight into his inspiration, design process and creating a world of fantasy.
"I was born in Poland but grew up in Vienna", Tomasz started off his presentation, adding that he started his career studying art at Central Saint Martins University in London.
His first pieces were conceptual or based on projects in partnership with other BA courses at the university (leather, fabrics, willow and Swarovski products were among the materials used).
Studying whichever brand he designs for, understanding its history, the market where the brand is based and the average price of its pieces, are very important to Tomasz.
"Drawing skills is another aspect that a designer must develop". He continued, "A nicely drawn, perfectly coloured rendering is going to impress the customer much more than a CAD".
He is always inspired by fiction, novels as well as cartoons and animation. His degree show, he said, was based on the idea of drawing a wardrobe for the main character of the book A hero of modern times.
Designing jewellery for men is one of Tomasz's favourite activities. "Items like scarves with golden loops, cufflinks with horses and gloves that resemble crocodile skin are some of my bestsellers", he said. After working for one year for Stephen Webster, Tomasz learnt that some concepts are either too heavy or too difficult to realise. His goal now, consequently, is to be more ‘global', and design nice pieces that are actually simple and easy to produce.
He guided us through his design approach by analysing the study and realisation of a commissioned ring featuring bulls, starting with a meeting with the client, doing the drawings, the immersion into anatomy needed for the piece, making the 3D model and finally finishing the object.
The final part of his presentation was about the importance of marketing, having a good agent that really knows the local market, and choosing the right stores that can sell the items. In fact, he added, you have to constantly work to promote yourself.
Finishing his presentation he said, "If you can't get the store to come to you, visit the store".
All the Alumni members were very grateful for a wonderful evening in the company of a talented designer.
Notes written by Giulia Nisoli, GIA G.G.
Next event - Sept 26th, David Hargreaves, mining engineer and founder of www.fairtrade-gemstone.com
01st July 2012