eric larson: multi force designer

Anyone who reads this blog knows that Eric Larson of Clear Irons is one of my closest friends. We've worked on many projects together during our time at the University of Illinois and after. Eric and I have always somehow managed to work well together when it comes to wrenching or making something out of nothing. Even though Eric lives in Chicago, we have somehow managed to stay close. I don't know if I would have survived the transition of living in Milwaukee if it had not been for the bi-weekly metal hammering, welding, and grinding sessions that we did out at the Seward Shop. It's going to be weird to move farther away from Eric, as he has been the closest thing to a family relationship that I have had with someone outside of my family. 

Anyway, I was just thinking of all of this as Eric sent me a new video to the Multi Force bag that he designed for Paratech. It was fun to see him work on a project that embodies the kind of industrial design that he was interested in during school and and has excelled at in the professional world. Eric is a designer who understands material and process beyond the skin of the object. Eric is able to bring any idea that he has into being, as he truly understands the power of knowledge about materials and processes when it comes to creating a truly new and innovative idea. He is constantly learning and researching the things that will allow him to develop the next idea. He the guy who brings fully functional objects to a Industrial Design critique because he cares about how something looks, works, and feels. Eric embodies the Industrial Designer that Jonathan Ive is searching for in the post I made a few days ago. It has been so fun to see Eric grow as a designer and a person. Eric just became a father a few weeks ago. I know he will be just as good at being a Dad as he is a Designer...

clear irons website launch

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll remember my great friend, Eric Larson. 

Eric and I met at the U of I and where he was getting his dual major in Industrial Design and Metals. He was even in one of the Metals classes I taught as a grad student and we both enrolled in one of the best classes I ever took in school, that covered welding (in the Agriculture Department). But we've been great friends ever since school and he is probably one of the people who I know directly that "really gets it" when it comes to work ethic, design, making, functional objects, etc. He's always been someone who I respect greatly for his talent, his heart, and his ability to learn. As some of you may know, he and I worked together for the first couple years when I first moved to Milwaukee as we both built some hot rod VW's and some Single Cab VW trucks. Over the years we have worked on several side projects and I can't even count the number of times that we got together to make something. I don't know what it is exactly, but Eric is a joy to work with. I can honestly say that I have had some of my most productive moments when we've been working together. As I said, "he just gets it". 

Well anyway, Eric has worked in the Industrial Design field ever since graduation, and he has learned the ropes by working several years for DiMonte Group and growing in his design skills, Solidworks skills, and working as project manager for several big name clients. He has really developed into a great business man as well as continuing to grow as a designer and maker. I was stoked a few years ago when he said that he was going to make the leap and start his own business called Clear Irons. Eric has been killing it lately with his new business and consistent work with Paratech as well as wheelchair design work for ADI. 

Eric recently hired a super talented guy (Robby Sachs) and they've been working on the new website as well as rolling out a line of products that you can purchase from their store. Eric recently launched the new website and he has several things happening over there that my blog readers will be interested in. You have to go check out the great work they have for sale in addition to their design and prototype work.  Also, bookmark the site as you'll want to be sure and follow their work as they are utilizing CAM software to run their beautiful Haas CNC milling machine to make new tooling and prototypes. Make sure to follow Eric and Robby on Instagram as I know they will have frequent updates there.

Eric's been busting his tail to make the business happen so I'm thrilled to see the progress he's making. I haven't seen him as much as I used to, as life has just been speeding out of control for us both. I miss working with Eric out at the Seward Speed Shop or on The Farm; we most definitely miss Eric's family too, as his Mom and Dad have always been special to my immediate family. I miss our super awesome conversations and working together, but I love that I can always keep tabs on what Eric's up to and how he's using his skills to make a difference. Super inspiring to see him "making his way" too; I'm so proud to be able to call him a friend. Now go check out his site and buy a cool hand-stictched wallet or sketchbook cover