This year’s Launch Pad program is gearing up to be the biggest yet with an incredibly high standard of entries. Lousa Bathgate catches up with past participants the Evie Group.

Comprised of four major components; the main competition, the exhibition at Sydney Indesign, in depth mentoring sessions and invaluable networking events, the program is expertly curated to support and cultivate the careers and aspirations of local, emerging designers.

Dominic and Alex – Evie Group

We caught up with past Launch Padders Alex Gilmour and Dominic Chong from the Evie Group; whose 2010 Launch Pad entry saw them featured as finalists in the competition – one of their first major accolades. Their design studio is now an award winning, internationally renowned brand creating beautiful lighting, furniture and home wares.

Robin Lamp – Evie Group

Their time with Launch Pad set the duo up for success; “It’s really nice to have that industry feedback, you don’t always get that face to face opportunity, to see and know what magazines and industry people want to see, and Launch Pad gives you that chance”, says Alex, “Your designs also get exposed to the industry as part of the Indesign events as well, so that’s great”.

Hex Mirrored – Evie Group

The pair curated and developed their own show last year, called ‘Evie Presents’, featuring the work of a broad mix of young Australian designers. Like Launch Pad, it’s based around the idea of developing networking and encouraging in-depth discussion. “Our idea is to create a network of designers, rather than just have everyone in their own bubble”, says Alex.

Hex – Evie Group

“Building networks in the design community in that sense is great; it was a chance for people to see their prototypes in a commercial space, and to build off that experience”, she says of Evie Presents, adding that “We are looking to run another one towards the end of the year”.

Emily Tea Set – Evie Group

Alex gives this advice to aspiring Launch Padders: “Do it! I teach at UTS as well, so it’s really nice to see people get excited about it. It’s the best way to get your designs out there and it’s great exposure”.

Spun Gold – Evie Group

For the first time we will see a number of past Launch Padders, including the Evie Group, participate as exhibitors at this year’s Sydney Indesign. Stop by the Galleria and check out the funky new designs they will be launching at Sydney Indesign.

Entries for the 2013 Launch Pad Program close Tuesday April 30.

What: Evie Group

Where: Galleria, Sydney Indesign 2013

When: 15 – 17 August

Evie Group

eviegroup.com

Sydney Indesign 2013

sydneyindesign.com.au

Launch Pad

 launch-pad.com.au