Many people have had their lightbulb moments in life, but for Michael Gettings it was actually quite literal when he came up with the idea for his business, Michael & George.
“Back in 2014, Michael was working as a graphic designer trying to crack a challenging client brief,” says co-founder and Gettings’ wife, Georgie.
“While searching for ideas he drew little lightbulbs on his white page and when he put that pencil down to take a break, it rolled on to the lightbulb drawing and he literally had a lightbulb moment. That’s when the idea for Drew the Pencil Lamp was born and we have since turned that idea into a business.”
The husband and wife team has basically reinvented the pencil and the lamp. Unlike with a traditional lamp, with Drew the cord is a feature where you can create your very own ‘scribble’ design directly into your computer using the USB or wall with the plug. There is also no ugly switch button as the dimmable twist function to turn on/off has been incorporated seamlessly into the design.
“We see Drew as dual purpose―yes he is a light, however, he is also a handsome design piece that looks great day or night and will add colour and whimsy to any room. Just like how we had a lightbulb moment in coming up with the idea of Drew, we hope that Drew himself will provide many more lightbulb moments in many others, all over the world,” explains Georgie.
The couple exhibited at First Instyle in Sydney last month as they thought it would be an excellent way to spread the word about Drew the Pencil Lamp and be able to show him to retailers personally.
“We’ve had really positive feedback; people really connect with the concept of Drew. It’s great to have validation from experienced retailers and distributors. Everyone also remarked on how well made he is. We really wanted to do the idea and our brand justice in creating a quality product to illuminate rooms and imaginations for years to come.
“We’ve found that Drew has quite a broad appeal as the pencil itself is such an iconic and nostalgic object. As Drew is a fun and whimsical concept driven lamp, he can fit quite easily in a number of different stores and be quite at home there. From high-end homewares and design shops to gifting and children’s stores, bookshops, art shops, galleries… anywhere the concept is understood and the premium materials and finishing appreciated…We’ve also had a number of people interested in Drew for styling purposes.”
Future plans for the company include a range of concept driven products available from Michael & George stocked in hundreds of shops globally as well as having some showrooms in the couple’s hometown of Sydney and their home away from home, London.
“Our end goal is to be known as great Australian designers who create iconic products that inspire creativity and make the everyday more enjoyable—this may take a while but we think we’ve taken a good first step with Drew the Pencil Lamp.”
By Marion Gerritsen
