WantedDesign is a platform dedicated to promoting design and fostering the local and international creative community throughout the year.
A One-of-a-Kind Opportunity for International Emerging Designers
A One-of-a-Kind Opportunity for International Emerging Designers
Launch Pad is sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partners Design Milk and Clever.
Launch Pad at WantedDesign Manhattan is an outstanding international platform for emerging designers that introduces new concepts and showcases prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting. It is the best place for manufacturers to meet new designers, discover fresh ideas and potential products to develop.
Only 60 designers from around the world will be selected amongst the applicants to present their work at the show and benefit from the opportunities which arise from being a Launch Pad participant. These include: being selected for the Best of Launch Pad award followed by a personal feature in Design Milk and the Emerging Designers Showcase part of ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan’s Talks Program, live on stage.
Apply HERE to be part of Launch Pad 2023
Deadline: January 15, 2023
2023 Launch Pad Jury
· Amy Devers, Host, Clever Podcast
Amy is leading the jury this year, and hosting the Emerging Designers Showcase live on stage.
“Collectively, Launch Pad is a bellwether for the next chapter of the design industry; a sort of barometer of what is coming and where importance is being placed.”
· Giulio Cappellini, Founder, Cappellini
“Design few things, but good things; passion is very important; follow the projects from the initial idea till the final product and be very professional.”
· Andrea Cesarman, Co-founder, Design Week Mexico
· Jerry Helling, President and Creative Director, Bernhardt Design
“Don’t get so married to your initial inspiration and concept that you lose sight of the fact you are creating a functional product for someone else to use. Artists have the luxury of being able to create for themselves, but designers should always be creating with the user in mind.
You should take every opportunity to allow people to see your work. You will make that one ´right connection´ when you least expect it to happen.”
· Jean-Jacques L’hénaff, Leader, LIXIL Global Design AMERICAS
· Jennifer Olshin, Founding Director and Partner, Friedman Benda
· Kia Weatherspoon, President and Founder, Determined by Design
“First, be your own hero. Second, if you’re are thinking about plan B, you are not focusing on plan A hard enough.”
Check out Design Milk’s latest article featuring Launch Pad HERE
Last year’s Design Milk articles featuring the winners for 2022:
Best of Launch Pad for Lighting – Tianning Zhao
Best of Launch Pad for Furniture/Home Accessories – Erika Cross
