For a decade now, the Launch Pad program has been nurturing the talents and ambitions of young Australian designers by facilitating a platform of exposure for their current projects. With the number, as well as the standard, of entries to the competition growing annually, the latest batch of Launch Padders are set to raise the bar higher than ever before.

Black – Christina Coulston

The 2013 program is packed with features, including the annual design competition, mentoring sessions, the prototype exhibition and networking events – not to mention the major prize package worth over $30, 000.

For the past thirteen years, Workshopped has offered a similar network of support, connecting their entrants with manufacturing and distribution sectors worldwide. Over the years Workshopped have showcase the work of over 200 designers to over 300, 000 members of the public.

Tall Poppy – Anara Mailybayeva

The partnering of Launch Pad and Workshopped has been a natural progression for both initiatives– combining the collective strengths of both programs and solidifying the integral and formative role each play in supporting and facilitating emerging designers career paths.

Dial Hangers – Design by Them

Project Manager at Workshopped, Raymond Scott will feature as both a judge in the Launch Pad competition and a mentor, speaking at mentor workshops as well as providing invaluable insight and industry know-how. His experience means he understands the hurdles facing young designers, “It’s really important to understand that good design still has to be good for a marketplace too… one of the biggest issues is ensuring that your design product is manufacturable for the price point that the market is willing to pay”.

Workshopped Store – Sydney

Having Workshopped on board for the Launch Pad 2013 program will support the endeavours of the program and provide finalists with the unparalleled chance to see their prototypes go from imagination to exhibition; from exhibition to shop floor.

De Sade – Jonathan Logan

“It’ll give the entrants a sense of Launch Pad and Workshopped together and the direction that they’re going in. Basically this is about having a full production experience, from prototype through to the final product in the retail environment” says Raymond “For the winner particularly, it’s going to be a really great end-to-end experience”.

To celebrate the forging of this new partnership, entries into Launch Pad 2013 have been extended – the new deadline is May 20.

Launch Pad

www.launch-pad.com.au

Workshopped

www.workshopped.com.au

 Hero Image: Bikeup – Asher Abergel