Design donation

Gianni Favaro

Report: Laura A’Bell
Photography: Greg Ford

Donating to Monash University through in-kind support can be a rewarding way to give back and support students as they move from education to a professional career.

Gianni Favaro has worked in the digital and offset print industry for many years. In 2006 he utilised his industry experience and started his own company - Design to Print. He now employs more than 30 staff who he says are like family.

“Every day my work is about the team. I only own the company - it would be nothing without the family of people who do so much,” Mr Favaro said.

A humble man, Mr Favaro says it was only last Christmas that he walked into his factory thinking “Wow! How did I get here?”

Monash is fortunate that he did get there. Mr Favoro and his team have become great supporters of the Art and Design Precinct at the Caulfield campus, providing in-kind access to innovative design and production services.

His team has pulled out all the stops to supply and install signage at his busiest time of the year to support the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture’s exhibitions and student Graduand shows.

Earlier this year Mr Favaro worked with artists/designers Pandarosa on an installation for Open Day 2012. The installation consisted of a large scale mural work which visitors could interact with by 'adding' a range of motifs onto the existing design.  Motifs were also placed as 'wayfinding' elements throughout the Faculty building leading up to the mural piece. 

Originally from Adelaide, Mr Favaro is now well established in Melbourne and wants to continue to work with students from universities.

As well as in-kind gifts, Design to Print also supports students through a range of internship opportunities in art, design and architecture giving them important experience in ‘real-life’ situations in a highly innovative environment.

“We encourage students into our company as interns. It’s a super-fast environment and it often gives them the understanding that it’s not all glamorous, but it is fun.”