STIR^® sits down with Sue Wadden, the new director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, to find out what excites her most about her new job, design and, of course, her favorite Sherwin-Williams color.

By Molly Burke

Sherwin-Williams has appointed Sue Wadden to the position of director of color marketing for its Paint Stores Group. Wadden succeeds Jackie Jordan, who retired from the company in February after more than 30 years.

“We thank Jackie for her wonderful legacy of creative contributions to Sherwin-Williams,” said Karl Schmitt, senior vice president of marketing, Sherwin-Williams. “With a strong background in design and color leadership, Sue brings a depth of experience and accomplishments related to color on a global scale. We look forward to great success with Sue in this important role.”

As the face and voice of color for Sherwin-Williams, Wadden will be responsible for the overall vision and philosophy for color leadership. She will play a key role in leading major world color trend forecasting for both designers and homeowners and will oversee the recently launched ColorSnap^® color selection system, as well as the research and development of all palettes, the annual colormix™ color forecast and development of the Color of the Year. Wadden will also serve as an editorial advisor to Sherwin-Williams STIR^® magazine and take an active role in interfacing with consumer and trade media on topics surrounding color.

As she dives into her new role, we sat down with her for a Q&A to find out what excites her about being the new director of color marketing, get a glimpse into her design philosophy and, of course, hear what her favorite Sherwin-Williams color is.

STIR: Hi, Sue! What are you most looking forward to in your new role as director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams?
Sue Wadden: That’s a difficult question, as there are so many things that I want to accomplish! One of my big goals is to help designers and specifiers by developing the right color resources to help make their businesses grow. We can do this with amazing color tools, great programs, and inspiring color and design content.

STIR: You were a past member of the Sherwin-Williams color forecast team, right?
SW: You’re right! As a senior designer, I spent two years on the colormix™ forecast team, and had the unique opportunity to work with, and learn from, Jackie Jordan. It was an incredible experience and it really helped shape the foundation of my core strategy surrounding color marketing.

STIR: Tell us a little about your training and experience in design.
SW: In 1998, I graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BFA in interior design. A few days later, I started at Sherwin-Williams as a designer in our Design Studio and spent the next 15 years working on our commercial/wholesale color programs. Two years ago, I moved to our Diversified Brands Division and was able to focus my attention on consumer color programs. In this new assignment, I will be able to utilize all of my color experience in one role — as the voice of color for Sherwin-Williams.

STIR: Where are you seeing color headed in both the residential and commercial design marketplaces today?
SW: I think color is headed in two distinct directions. Light, airy, restive and somewhat monochromatic palettes are really trending as design is being heavily influenced by the concepts of well-being and balance. At the same time, I am seeing a resurgence of dark and moody color. Deep, bold and rich hues — resembling Old Master paintings — are taking shape as an interesting, almost melancholy and romantic contrast to all the light. To me, it’s a symbolic response to our storyteller culture.

STIR: How are designers working differently with color than they were in the past?
SW: The amount of immediate information available to designers is truly amazing. Whether seeking color inspiration, innovative products, vintage design or new materials — it’s just so easy to source new ideas. Designers are likely taking more risks with their color selections, maybe trying combinations or palettes that they had never contemplated before. I know it’s a heavy influence for me!

STIR: What’s your favorite color rule — and what’s your favorite color rule to break?
SW: Always start with what you love — I think it’s hard to make a bad color choice when you start with what you love. As for breaking rules, I like to paint small rooms in deep, dark and rich colors. I think it’s an incredible way to enrich the overall aesthetic of a small room — and this is totally opposite of conventional design advice.

STIR:Where do you find inspiration for design and color?
SW: I honestly find inspiration everywhere. Nature, art, film, pop culture, entertainment, food, social media. We are exposed to so much visual information that it is absolutely influencing my color and design inspiration.

STIR: What is your favorite Sherwin-Williams color? And where, or how, have you used it?
SW: Anonymous (SW 7046) — I love this earthy, rich, warm gray. I use it everywhere, most recently on the exterior of my home. It’s gorgeous.