Diving into the Heart of the Colorist's Universe at GRIFFINE INDUSTRIES
In the dynamic ecosystem of Griffine, certain professions captivate due to their uniqueness and expertise. It is in our laboratory, within our Research & Development department, that the art of coloring comes to life thanks to the exceptional talent of our colorist : Séverine, Pascal, and Eric.
These masters of color blend technical know-how and artistic
finesse to develop shades that continually redefine industry standards.
The Synergy Between Art, Material, and Chemistry
The profession of a colorist lies at the intersection of art and science, demanding not only a sharp perception of colors but also a deep understanding of the material. These professionals possess an innate sensitivity to color and its representation, an essential quality that transcends mere technical ability to touch the very heart of artistic creation.
The Color Artisan in Action
To demystify this captivating profession, we engaged in a dialogue with Séverine, Pascal, and Eric, who shared their experiences and visions:
1- How long have you been working at Griffine?
Our colorists have varied experiences at Griffine, ranging from 2 weeks to 30 years in our laboratory, offering a rich spectrum of knowledge and unique perspectives.
2- How would you describe your daily work?
Their main mission involves analyzing, developing, and perfecting existing shades and other innovative ones, inspired by the specific requests of our clients or the insights from our marketing department. They devise tailor-made formulas for our coated fabrics, creating samples that must receive our clients’ approval before launching large-scale production.
Their days are marked by creation, preparation, quality control, and innovation, with each project bringing its set of creative and technical challenges.
3- What skills are required for your missions?
Unwavering patience, a developed sense of observation, limitless creativity, artistic sensitivity, impeccable logic, and a deep knowledge of colorimetry and chemistry are at the heart of their skills.
4- What are the main challenges you face?
Their work involves overcoming difficulties related to achieving precise pigment dosages to reach perfect shades. Complex shades, such as pearlescent or fluorescent nuances, require particular expertise, as does managing gloss effects. The impact of engraving cylinders and printers on the coated fabric complicates color development.
Different textures also influence uniformity and light absorption.
Colorists are also faced with the phenomenon of metamerism, that is, the change in color perception under different lighting, which they must identify and then correct.
5- What tools and technologies do you use?
Colorists have at their disposal spectrophotometers to measure and analyze colors, light boxes to evaluate brightness and contrast variations, densitometers, micrometric applicators, and not to forget the most precious tool, their own eye to artistically and aesthetically adjust colors.
6- What do you enjoy most about your work as a colorist?
The diversity of projects related to Griffine’s presence in different markets: automotive, furniture, nautical, and leather goods.
The freedom of creation and the constant opportunity to innovate are the most enriching aspects of their profession.
7- How would you explain your profession to a child?
“Imagine I’m a magician-cook. I mix special ingredients in my big cauldron to
create new magical colors, transforming ordinary things into extraordinary
objects, making the world around us even more beautiful.”
This exchange opens a window into the fascinating world of colorists, true modern alchemists within GRIFFINE INDUSTRIES.
Their contribution goes far beyond mere color creation; they breathe life and emotion into our coated fabrics, playing a crucial role in our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
At GRIFFINE INDUSTRIES, we are proud to highlight these exceptional talents, whose art and material continue to enrich our heritage and shape our future.