German designer Sebastian Herkner believes there are fewer opportunities for young designers to work with furniture brands today than when he was first starting out in the industry.
Herkner told Dezeen that brands are less willing to take a chance on an unproven talent than in the past, making it harder than ever for younger designers to get a foot in the door.
"I wouldn't want to be a young designer today," he said.
"When I was young, brands like Cappellini and Moroso were always looking for young talents," he continued. "But now, a lot of brands are only working with established names or designers already in their portfolio."
Herkner launched several products in Milan, including the Nymph table lamps from Poltrona Frau Herkner spoke to Dezeen during an event hosted by Italian brand Poltrona Frau. He has just launched his first products with the brand ? the Stock'n Roll bedside tables and the Nymph table lamps.
The designer said that brands typically reach out to him to initiate a collaboration, based on his existing reputation.
Based in Offenbach, near Frankfurt, Herkner's studio has developed furniture, lighting and homeware products for producers including &Tradition, La Manufacture, Thonet and Pulpo.
"It has been more than 15 years since I started my business," he said. "Now I'm established, brands know me. So the starting point for a conversation is much easier."
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