Mary Jo Tanana

Franklin School

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Location:

165 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889

Industry:

Design

Work:

Groovity - Providence, RI since Aug 2011
Owner, Surface Pattern Designer
Mjtdesigns - Saint Petersburg, FL Sep 1997 - Jul 2011
Owner
Lorenzo Jewelry - Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China Mar 1998 - Mar 1999
Design Director
Town and Country Fine Jewelry Group - Chelsea, MA Sep 1986 - Sep 1997
Senior Designer

Education:

Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design 2012 - 2012
Syracuse University 1982 - 1986
BFA, Fashion Illustration, Textile Design Art Institute of Boston 1980 - 1981

Skills:

Sketching
Illustrator
Jewelry Design
Textiles
Textile Design
Surface Pattern
Pattern Design
Fashion
Illustration
Art
Fashion Illustration
Fashion Design
Drawing
Concept Development
Product Design
Graphic Design
Brand Development
Jewelry
Painting
Vector Illustration
Trend Analysis
Surface Pattern Design
Graphics
Screen Printing
Product Development
Apparel
Embroidery
Technical Design
Adobe Illustrator
Trend
Repeats
Design
Digital Photography
Corel Draw
Digital Design
Consumer Behaviour
Painter
Consumer Trends
Trend Spotting
Fine Jewelry
Cad 2D Design
Surface Designs
Integrated Circuit Design
Adobe Photoshop
Photography
Pattern
Adobe Creative Suite

Awards:

2007 Women's Jewelry Association 1st place "Diva Award"
Women's Jewelry Association and Platinum Guild International (PGI).
Two People, Three Platinum Rings The engagement ring symbolizes the promise, while the wedding bands represent the commitment a couple makes to one another. Your challenge as a jewelry designer is to depict these three rings using platinum - for the very best relationship is deserving of the world's most precious metal. First prize was awarded to Mary Tanana, of MJT Designs in St. Petersburg, FL, for her platinum vintage-style eternity wedding set with mill-grain details. A Reggae music fan, she was inspired by a Jamaican word, “irie,” that means to be in a state of peacefulness or harmony. “The word captures the feeling when a couple gets engaged,” said Tanana, Tanana, who studied fashion illustration and textile design at Syracuse University, says she is enamored by textures and contrasting patterns. She was trained on the job in a variety of jewelry-making techniques. Her career was shaped observing the factory floor and studying with some accomplished model makers in the U.S. and internationally, said Tanana, whose work has involved Platinum. “I love the density and the feel of Platinum. Recently I have worked on many vintage-style designs, and I find this the metal of choice.” The Platinum DIVA judges chose the winning designs based on their originality, creativity, wearability, and interpretation of the theme. “Mary Tanana’s had a traditional feel, but the pattern was more contemporary so the combination seemed ‘fresh,’” said Michael O’Connor of PGI, a member of the judging panel along with Mark Schonwetter of Lieberfarb; Frank Stankus, Jeweler's Resource; designer Amy Levine; FIT Jewelry Department Chair Michael Coan; and designer Jessica Cohen.
2006 DIVA Design Competition, Honorable Mention
Women's Jewelry Association
"Le Vian for Children" Design Competition
Le Vian
First place in the following three categories: Patriotic design (retail range, $500 - $2,500). Design an item that will bring out the spirit of America. Red carpet earrings (Retail range, $5,000 - $10,000). Chandelier? Stiletto? What will be the new earring style worn by celebrities on the Red Carpet? Bridal rings ($2,000 - $25,000). Create an engagement ring, wedding band or matched set.
Le Vian Design Contest
Le Vian
Honorable Mention in Trend Category.