Words of wisdom from last year’s Launch Pad finalist.

Well-known for his percussion role in successful band Van She, Tomek Archer is making a name for himself in a whole new field.

Trained in architecture before pursuing his passion for music in electropop band Van She, Archer is one of Australia’s emerging design talents, who wowed the judges at Launch Pad 2009 with his original stool ‘Peg Leg’.

When asked what drew Archer to the Launch Pad competition, he matter-of-factly responded that “the promise of fame and fortune” drew him in.

“Why else would you make anything speculatively,” said Archer.

Whilst fame and fortune was the beacon of light for the furniture designer, the connections that came from the programme have ensured that he has outlived his 15 minutes.

“The Launch Pad mentoring programme confirmed my belief that this project was worth investing more money in. Another less worthy piece didn’t make the cut so I left it at that.”

“I was approached by several respectable manufacturers, which shows the value of Launch Pad, however because I had resolved production in order to make the prototype, I saw little point in handing the project over.

“So in this case I suspect the exposure helped realise the sales that were required to kick start production.”

Does Archer have any advice for young designers with a prototype?

“You made it so you might as well show someone and talk about it. You need to find out early on if it’s worth pushing this one or if your time would be better spent on a new piece.”

PegLeg is now in production through Tomahawk Studios and is available through Anibou in Sydney and Melbourne and Thonet in NZ.

Tomahawk Studios
tomahawkstudios.com.au

The Launch Pad Program is proudly sponsored by Living Edge – supporting emerging Australian design.