Donald Zolan's formal training began after high school with a full scholarship to the American Academy of Fine Art. Upon graduation, he was selected to apprentice with Haddon Sundbloom, a famous illustrator of art, prints and posters most known for his Coca-Cola Santa Claus.
Zolan moved into the field of commercial art, where he was a great success over the next twelve years.
His true love, however, was his fine art prints and posters which were shown in leading galleries and museums around the world. Finally, he established his own gallery in Nantucket.