Donna Rankin - Artescape

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

This month read on to find out all about Donna Rankin, Founder & Creative Director - ARTESCAPE.

The idea for Artescape were born through personal experience. As an artist, Donna instinctively recognises the freedom of expression that art gives her. As a businesswoman, she understands how personal expression can translate into personal development, resulting in higher morale and productivity in the workplace. Artescape is Donna's way of joining her two worlds.

As Artescape's creative director, Donna strives to continually inject innovation and freshness into the Artescape experience, as well as, serve as the company ambassador as it expands into new markets.

In addition to nurturing the development of the Artescape concept, Donna is director of Professional Real Estate in Forster, New South Wales, where she has worked in property sales and management for the past 15 years.

She is also an art teacher and professional oil painter. Most recently, her work a portrait of Barbara Holborrow -- hung in the 'Portia Geach', a female artist-only competition with 300 entries from across Australia and only 50 chosen for exhibit in the National Trust Gallery in Sydney.

Donna lives with her husband David and three kids -- Holly nine, Shannon eight and Reuben two in Forster, New South Wales.
For more information on Artescape read below.

Occupation/Title
Creative Director

Company/Organization
Artescape

State
NSW

Age
37

Where did you grow up?
Forster/Tuncurry 3.5 hours north of Sydney on NSW's Mid-North Coast

What was your first job?
My very first job was at the age of 15 when I worked as a shop assistant at the chemist shop

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I have also wanted to work in an art-related field, but as a young person I wasn't quite sure of where and how

How did you get to where you are now?
I feel I have made it to where I am now as a result of persistently pursuing my passion for art. Many other important things have helped me along the way, such as supportive parents, a great network of friends and business associates, and a loving husband and family.

What qualifications/experiences are required to perform your job?
Obviously an art background is needed, however as Creative Director you need to be open-minded, intuitive, fun-loving and visionary.

How many hours a week do you work?
45-50 hours

Where would you like to be in ten years?
In ten years I hope that Artescape will be successfully established not only in Australia, but also worldwide and that I am still involved in the process and am therefore able to continue to enjoy watching the healing and positive power art can bring to peoples lives.

What advice would you give to somebody embarking on their first business or aspiring to achieve extraordinary career goals?
My advice would be never to lose faith in your goals, be persistent, hard working, and if possible surround yourself with mentors and people who can support you along the way to achieving your goal.

What do you class as your biggest career achievement?
Having the drive and persistency to see the idea of Artescape from a dream through to reality

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?
"Listen to your inner voice"

Fast Facts
Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?
The Dalai Lama

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
The Hurricane a true story about boxer, Reuben Carter

Your favourite toy as a child:
My Paint By Numbers art set

What are you reading at the moment?
I am currently reading two books:
A View of Delft Vemeer Then and Now, by Anthony Bailey
A Scandalous Life The Biography of Jane Digby, by Mark S Lovell

Is there a talent/attribute you wish you had/ had more of?
I would like to be a confident public speaker

Which song transports you to another place when you hear it and why?
"Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams transports me to my youth and carefree days

Your favourite place in the world, and why?
My favourite place in the world is Paris. It is an amazingly beautiful city, full of life and art.

What is your idea of the perfect Day?
My idea of the perfect day would be a leisurely sleep in (which rarely happens!), followed by a morning at the beach with my family, a delicious lunch at my favourite café, Moby's Beachside Café in Forster, and an evening at the theatre with my husband.

Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life (important to you)
1) Family
2) Friends
3) Good food
4) Pursue your passions
5) Have faith

Are there other related careers to your chosen career:
In addition to developing Artescape, I am an art teacher and professional oil painter. I also own a real estate business with my husband David, which requires management skills, people skills and communication skills. The skills I have gained from each of these professions have helped enormously with the creation of Artescape.


Artescape is seen as a MUST-HAVE corporate Development Tool
that Motivates, Inspires and Entertains.

It is designed to encourage self-discovery and personal development. With music pumping and a trained facilitator directing the session, participants break through personal boundaries with canvas, colour and unusual painting materials. Immediately following the session, each participant is given their completed canvas to take with them.

Additionally the Artescape experience is an original choice for birthday celebrations, anniversary parties and other special occasions, including an inventive networking alternative to the conventional options of cricket, football and harbour cruises.

"Artescape fills a void in the corporate eventing market. By its very nature, Artescape offers something new there is no gender or age-bias, athleticism is not required and it is not weather-dependant," says Wally Davey, chairman/CEO, Artescape.

The Artescape studio is fully equipped with audio-visual equipment, catering facilities, meeting space and a presentation area.
A two-hour session can accommodate groups of 12-40 and can be tailored to address the client's specific corporate messages.
Consumer Info: 1300 304 100

- Michelle Palmer