Launchpad + 5 years

In 2001 I teamed up with furniture designer Ron Weaver to form Launchpad. Our first group show was held at Den in the Mission district of San Francisco. The launch party was wall to wall people - all there to see the designers and(or) have a glass of wine.

A lot has happened in the 5 years since our first show. Den closed this year, as did Lounge, where we had our last show. Some of the designers have taken full-time jobs away from independent design, some traveled or moved and some have just changed focus - of course, some are still successfully working as independent designers. Recently I checked back in with the group to ask the question - is it possible to make a living as a full-time independent designer in the bay area?

The overall impression that the bay area is a tough market, but there was definitely a sense of optimism. Over the next few weeks, I will catch up with the designers and post their new work....or new directions. In the meantime, you can check out the old Launchpad website to see their work.