I've received what feels like hundreds of comments and emails asking for my guidance on the best way to 'break into the automotive industry'. In this episode I have tried my best my to answer that question not only from my own experience but also from my perspective on the industry as a whole and the future of design in general.
Funny, that you‘ve also come across the competition mind set during your design studies. I still remember the transportation design guys, who constantly sat together to take a look at the drawings of the others to copy or be better. I always found that strange. This only seems to be the case in automotive design, NOT in industrial design as there, a more collaborative approach is pursued and teached. I think the big boards can only be drilled collaboratively, if you know what I mean. Greetings from a freelance designer, therefore, I liked your last statement very much!
“Before you surrender yourself to being an employee of a company, see what you can create for yourself.” Yes Sir! I'm so glad I went that route. Fantastic message Frank, I hope more people take it to heart. It's all there in today's world. It's available to you. As long as you're willing to put in the work.
I watch and appreciate both channels. Maybe you'd be interested in a crossover and doing something interesting together. Like trying to redesign the same car or discussing a design you might have opposite opinion on. Anyway best wishes to both of you.
I remember as a student, we didn’t have these resources (like the sketch Monkey and Frank and many others videos.). Its a great time to get inspired by accomplished professionals and go for our dreams and create beautiful forms!
My dream is to design and build a kit car someday for the Indian market. Something that will be eye catching like the lancia stratos Zero concept and perfect to take your fellow companion in.
I worked with Frank at The Rover Group in the mid to late 90s. We were both based in the design studio. I was the surface engineer working in ICEMsurf translating his designs into CAD. I was straight from university. I can honestly say he is the most approachable and charismatic car designer I have met met in my 25 years working for OEMs. I even have the thank you card you sent me written on a postcard of the Mk1 BMW mini concept. I’d guess that you won’t remember me but I’ll never forget you. Great videos Frank!
do you think it'd be possible that he'd want to work for my game company to design hundreds of all types of vehicles and a large variety of customization parts to go with them? frank seems to have an amazing grasp on every type of vehicle design from past to present to future and i'd love to have him be my lead vehicle designer. (i'm scared to see how large his paycheck would have to be haha. but i'll happily pay whatever it takes)
In the age of information, it's all about getting the right information. And that's the one Frank is dropping, not even asking for anything in return except for us to reflect a bit. Only love for this channel, I hope it keeps growing.
I love designing objects and furniture, sketching cars, and sometimes I dream that the sketches could become real someday and I could touch them with my bare hands, that’s the reason why, I will keep going on, and I’ll reach my goal.
Agreed with Bandito: put the time into learning the crafting methods to make your own designs. You'll get there if you keep putting in the effort and pushing your abilities!
im not even going to lie, this video made me re-question things i have been doing. I really wanted to go to art center, and for the past few years i have been trying hard with the portfolio. I have been rejected twice, but still working on there, because I want to be a car designer, and at the best school there is. This video really makes me question do i need to go there anymore to be a designer.
Coming from someone that took three failed applications to get into a good design school, trust me it's worth it in the end. As frank said, the competition is HUGELY beneficial and is still very high today
I was rejected once from my first university (Industrial Design in Denmark), I reapplied and got in. Then after 2 years I realized it didn't lead me where I wanted, so I went another few years figuring out where I actually wanted to go in life. Now I'm finishing my transportation design thesis at a Design university in Italy. You never know where you end up, but as long as you don't give up you are going to end up somewhere sooner or later :)
I also tried to get into design university and got rejected twice. Maybe I didn't try hard enough or I'm just not fit to be designer... So just recently I ended up choosing to study mechanical engineering. Not that I gave up on wanting to designer but to get proper education on product design and physics so that maybe I would have wider understanding on what would be a good design. Well.. Time will tell.
@@itaresam what I've come to understand, is that most of the design schools evaluate application portfolios (and potential entry exams) from some key points: 1. Your approach to a project (observing potential problems and scenarios, analyzing them, creating a project brief off of those observations) 2. How you explore ideas and potential concept directions (do you arrive very quickly to a main idea, or do you have variety in your potential choices? Just showing a very quick ideation stage or simply just the end product is never a good idea. Unlike math and physics, design never has a singular straight answer. For that reason you need to show how and why you came to your final result -the process is just as important as the conclusion) 3. How do you develop your initial idea(s) (How do you go from your initial idea/thoughts, through a developing stage, before arriving at a more finalized product where end result is a clear result of your continuous analysis of your project brief, and showing your reasons for doing certain changes along the way) 4. How you visualize your ideas (sketching, painting, 3d and computer software, physical models, etc. there is no limit to how you visualize. The important thing is just that you make a conscious attempt at sharing as many of your thoughts as possible through whatever medium you're able to use. It can be paper models, clay, heck build it in Minecraft if nothing else works. The school is there to teach you what you lack, and I've seen countless people with zero drawing ability be enrolled to design schools -although the required minimum drawing level may depend on the school you apply to). 5. How you present your projects (are they easy to understand, well summarized, is there a good flow from beginning to end?) 6. Variety in projects you present in your portfolio (show your diversity and originality, and how you approach problems in multiple fields) These are the main key factors for most university design schools, seen from personal experience as well as knowing multiple people studying at design schools all over the world (Sweden, Germany, UK, Italy, Denmark, and more).
My first job out of college was as a junior designer at Chrysler when it was located in Highland Park, MI. I was placed into the international design studio, working for Bob Hubbach, the designer of the first Dodge Viper. It was back in 1973 and Hal Pilkey was the Studio Chief, and Bill Dayton was the Division Chief. I learned a lot in this studio. On my first day, Hal took me out to lunch at a popular greasy spoon on Woodward Ave. called The Pretzel Bowl. During lunch, Hal looked at me and he said, "Listen up kid, do this and you'll do well in this business....."Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you'll meet 'em on the way down." I never forgot that. While we were eating, a gentleman walked into the restaurant and Hall flagged him over to our table. Hal introduced me, and then they started talking about their days when they were near my age at Auburn, Cord and Duesenburg. The guy that Hal had introduced me to was none other than Gordon Buehrig himself....I was, as they say, Gobsmacked. I worked in exterior studios mainly, but then transferred to interior studios in the Walter P. Chrysler building. I did well at Chrysler, but, unlike many of the other designers, I just didn't have "gasoline" in my veins... I left the industry and moved west and started in the fledgling High Tech industry at Hewlett Packard. My career there was fantastic and I entered early into the new technology of computer aided design and 3d modeling in 1987. I became a HP Intrapaneur....and traveled to many HP sites world wide to design on many strategic products....it was a great move for me. I finished the last 20 years in my design career self employed and it was a blast. My undergraduate school was at the Cleveland Institute of Art, then a Masters Degree at the University of Michigan, sponsored by Chrysler, and I also graduated from Art Center with a Masters Degree in New Media in 1998...... tough program for sure. Thanks for your words of wisdom to up and coming Auto designers....the business has changed so much, as AI is entering the mix. Markers, Pastels, Prisma Color Pencils seem so yesterday now. I've become proficient on Vizcom, Chat GPT and MidJourney....incredible results. Sorry I got long winded, but I sure did enjoy this podcast....thanks again.
I am a teenager i want to work in automotive design but I don't have money for design school now I am doing computer science.l want to ask can I get freelance work if I don't have a design in car design and work after my job
Frank, I want to thank you for making this video. Currently, I’m in my final year of high school. I have applied to (and am applying) several universities with an emphasis in design. I would say your advice here really helps and makes a lot of sense!
The self awareness comment is on point and crucial. The biggest problem for people is accepting their shortcomings and making a concerted effort to improve it. Criticising my work is something i do after every single project, large or small. The more it hurts, the more ground there is to be made up. Salute and keep the content coming
One of the concepts that has driven my life and career has been the potential resurrection of the coachbuilding trade, via advanced technologies, rekindled appreciation of craftsmanship, and the advent of modular vehicle platforms
I am currently studying Aeronautical Enegeering to learn about aerodynamic and other things. When i can choose my minor, i will go toward the designing part of the education. My dream is to create my own cars with designs i made my self, but to get there i will first have to get some experience by working at other company's. Learning from a Professional is something that will be extremely helpful and will help me achieve my dream. I am really happy that i found this channel and i hope i can learn a lot from you!
Someone You Don't Know Good luck. I am finishing my career in aerospace. I have a creative side to me which has been invaluable. I could see the difference between my ideas and solutions versus those without this side.
Love Syd Mead, had the privilege to see some of his paintings at Siggraph, just before he died, and they are unreal. Screens don’t even do it justice. I had heard if him before but never really looked, but its incredible.
Thank you for all the inputs and tips you gave in this video. I as a 15 year old teenager have always admired cars, because they're for me a special species between a living being and a machine, with their own voices, faces and personalities. That is also one of the reasons I always wanted to become a car designer, because a car's shape and appearance is one of the first things that makes you truly fall in love with it. I can remember spotting a (back then) brand new 2010 Maserati Quattroporte sport gts in black as a 5 year old boy at the Bismarkstraße, a very wide and one of the most used roads in Berlin, whilst I was doing some shopping with my family. And I just couldn't stop looking at it. It's beautiful shape with it's neutral but still elegant face and it's truly elegant but slightly sporty appearance just captured my heart. And because I also always liked painting and drawing cars, and people told me that they liked my pictures, I decided that I wanted to be a car designer. The introduction of the new, distasteful, disgusting and disappointing BMW kidneys pushed my wish of becoming a car designer even further. Since then, I know that something needs to be done to prevent the loss of traditional design language of different car brands (such as BMW). But thanks to you @Frank Stephenson, I know what I have to look out for and what I have to keep in mind. And for this you get my biggest thank!
After watching this episode Greater me got more motive and more respect Frank's works Lesser me want the rocket lava lamp,x-wing, hulk buster armor, cap'murica shield and that ferrari models
Thank you for a great video. It inspired me a lot. Now I'm 28 and I have been working as a 3D modeler for nearly 6 years for a Japanese Company in Car industry. Car designer is my dream job. I'm Vietnamese and there is no Automotive Design School in Vietnam and I wasn't able to go to learn abroad in a Design school so I chose the way that led me to 3D Modeler as current time. I thought 3D Modeler is a good alternative for Car designer because it allows me work with professional designer closely but now I realize that I've torched my self. Now I'm trying my best grinding my self for skills that a professional designer needs and hope that it is not too late for me to have a chance to break in to Car design industry. I'm looking forward for your next videos. Best wishes for you and good luck for me. :)
Up to a point all I wanted was to be a car designer but due to health and socio-economic reasons I was forced to put that aside as I could only dream of going abroad to study car design. I went down the route of mechanical design and then product design. I have worked as a mule and during the second year of masters got my shot at contributing to an actual vehicle design of a real company. I am really gratefull and currently working on a design proposal as part of my master thesis. It's not Mazda, Opel, Volvo, Ford or anything fancy as I have dreamed but it is close enough to call a success. I love the design and development process, I feel this is my purpose. Thank you for a wonderful video mr. Stephenson, really inspiring.
I am pursuing a career in automotive design simply because I love to bring beautiful things to life. The idea of being payed, to do what I love more than anything, is a dream.
'Less, but better' I think is the guiding light for me in design. S/O to Dieter. I think there are problems worth solving in the world - big and small - and there are wonderful rewards for solving them. But it's not simply about a functional fix, as emotional creatures, appreciation is never purely logic and a design with true elegance I believe sparks something in us. Also, the feeling of having created something tangible others find useful and delightful cannot be matched in my opinion. Frank, thanks for these videos. I am no car designer but you wisdom caries effortlessly.
I don’t the talent for design, I can’t even draw, but I sure enjoy listening to brilliant people talking and gaining knowledge, hopefully we can meet up one day sir on whiskey of your choice😉 Thank you for yet another amazing video
You make me wish I had a time machine. Art Center was where I dreamed of going but that did not happen. I'll just sit back and be one of the most privileged people on the planet who gets to see the fruits of those who had the ability to chase that dream. Battista "Pinin" Farina, Marcello Gandini, Giovanni & Nuccio Bertone, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Tony Lapine, Frank Stephenson Santos, Luc Donckerwolke, Michelle Christiansen, Ian Callum, Horacio Pagani... there will be countless others who will create some of the most amazing vehicles we’ve ever seen. OEM or not the next 25 yrs will just be awe-inspiring. Thank you as always Frank for a job well done. I'm going to go work on my TARDIS now.
There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation. This is a great quote, and whenever I create something, I find it very fulfilling. Considering OEMs and design, I can't wait for more 'tech' manufacturers to kick in! I have this wish (idea) about simple modular EV platform that will have same chassis and customers will choose their own body design and interior. Tech companies an new manufacturing techniques could make this happen. Influencers will be first customers :)
I am a new designer, and your video really inspired me, thank you. It encouraged me from exactly where I am at. Thank you Frank Stephenson. I am a fan. Bless you.
I took a moment to think about this and my answer to "why do you want to be a car designer?" is probably the same as that of Batista "pinin" Farina: to leave a mark, a legacy, something that i could be associated with for decades to come, maybe one day there will be chats, forums or podcasts or even documentaries about Amine "Mino" Assal's designs, just something i could be remembered with. perhaps that's what we all want in the glimpse of time we have on this earth.
Fue mi sueño de pequeño pero fui cobarde y me hice abogado. Ya soy viejo ( 54 ) para intentarlo ahora. Disfruto de los coches bien diseñados. Enhorabuena Frank por tu carrera brillante, eres el " Mozart " del diseño de coches.
Frank, it’s fantastic you shared this. It’s natural to see successful people and want to be in their position. What people don’t see is how much hard work and sacrifice there is-hours and hours, even when you no longer want to, sacrificing your personal life, taking risks others around you are not, and with no real assurance or guarantee it’ll ever amount to anything. I think this is true in every industry. I appreciate your sharing this point of view to share it with others.
I always wanted to follow the Automotive Design path, but I got the same thought your teacher said to you, about the fact that very few people get to the finish line with a clear future in automotive design, so I got scared and jumped into a safer, but still quite hard, path: Mechanical Engineering. As of today, I'm two years away (aprox) from graduation, and sometimes I regret choosing this way, and not experiencing what's on the other side, as it's been like most people following you, a childhood dream to design cars. Still, I'm happy with the desitions I took, and I look forward to maybe someday, aproach the automotive desing industry from an engineer point of view. Thanks for these tips Frank, I'll keep them close to mind. I also be waiting for your design masterclass!
I too am pursuing mechanical engineering right now... I will be 22 at graduation and will mostly look for a work experience job for about a year and then leave for Germany to try and get admission in a design University there..
You both try to get a master in transportation design right away. I did just that, went into mech engineering because there was no such thing as product design in my country, then just ended up frustrated with the work I got later in life. It can pay ok(ish) but there's not much space for creative flair in it
My brother is an automotive technician. He recently got a accepted into the Tesla program that Miami Dade College offers. But, for now he plans to become a CDL truck driver. I just feel in love with the process of hooking up my 2005 Ford Focus. That I just started looking up every problem that it had and figuring out how it can run better. Thanks for this video. I really needed to hear this.
I study architecture in Delft and I recognize the statements made in this video. With so many great names around you and people working alongside you you’re pushed to try your very best
I'm already involved in a startup company, I don't have any design background degree, coming from such circumstances, I always try to get constructive feedbacks so I can understand where I would stand among other professionals and how can I improve myself. In doing so, I also sent a few of my works to you looking for feedback on how am I doing. By this point, one of my design is in prototype stage while there is another project where I've designed a custom car for a planned movie. Those are the projects which are not mine but I'm part of it, my projects include a little bit of Animation/VFX, 3D Art, Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Music.
So you're telling me, I can still achieve my dream even if I didn't go to design collage and don't have any qualification....?😮 Art is at the center of my heart and when growing up I've never known anyone who dreamed about designing a car like me... So.. may be there will be opportunities out there for me in the future. Thank you so much for this message, for feeding my heart.❤
Just a few days ago started to make an online Portfolio where I will upload (as well as to all possible platforms) daily iterations of ideas, mainly 2D SciFi, Abstracts, but definitely vehicles too :) So many of the impressions and feelings we grew up with, and are exposed to now, can be transformed into something for the future. Strangely beautiful how You posted a video about an "outside approach" just now. As if all minds on the planet are somehow connected. That´s a great motivation!
It's lovely, mr. Stephenson, that you want to hear our dreams and stories related to the automotive industry. It is an element that I certainly appreciate with modern technology and media, that great people like yourself are able and willing to connect with global audiences who would never even come close to such opportunities just 10 years ago. If anyone's curious, here's my personal story of how I pursue transportation design: I've always enjoyed imagining things and creating something that didn't already exist. It's my endless drive, I go every day and observe the world we live in - and I think to myself how I can see opportunities to change it or introduce new exciting elements we can interact with and find new ways of living that don't yet exist. I have a constant desire to challenge the world and make life more exciting, see things from a new perspective, and improve what's already here. I already had the idea of pursuing a career in car design when I entered high school - or just any design related job really (but my main passion was for cars so that was the obvious priority). Unfortunately I live in Denmark, where the car industry is pretty much non existent. So I considered the second best option at hand, which was to apply for an Industrial Design course at the Danish Royal Arts University (always fancy titles for these places). I didn't get accepted at my first attempt at applying, so I tried again a year later and got in. I enjoy industrial design in general, and the many philosophies tied to it. However, the teaching itself left me wanting more, there was too much focus on academic topics and soft values, and not enough focus on practical experience nor teaching/insight into various industries. I ended up dropping it, as it felt too much of a waste of time for me, so I thought to myself how far I'd have to go to actually get a real foothold in the automotive industry. I ended up looking at studying abroad, which led me to applying at a Transportation Design university in Italy where I currently am completing my final Thesis project. One of the biggest experiences of this process, has definitely been to travel and live in a foreign country with its independent culture and ways of working/approaching schooling. It's the complete opposite from the old school I came from, for better and worse. I think most of all it gave me perspective, helped me sort the good and less good experiences I carried with me from my first design school in Denmark, and helped make me realize what is actually important to me as a person, and where my values are in regards to being a professional designer and earning a living through this industry. Still, the thought of actually earning money for this kind of work still seems like a fairytale story to me, at least until I hopefully land my first internship/job opportunity. What has stood out the most to me, has definitely been my own focus on how I want to work as a designer in the future. It's still fundamentally the desire to create and dream of a future that for now exists in my mind, but could become reality tomorrow - and I believe that the fewer steps there are between having my ideas and actually realizing them, the happier I will be. I believe niche companies or a smaller studio will be to my liking, somewhere where I can have an impact and learn a lot along the way, hopefully work with a more tightly connected team of passionate people, rather than a large workforce where designers can easily be substituted. Let me put it like this: No matter who the designer is, the new Audi A6 is going to exist regardless. But a revival of McLaren? That only happens with very special and dedicated people behind. Doesn't really matter with the scale of the brand or it's overall importance and value. As long as my thoughts are not replaceable, then I will work like no one else could. If you read this far, you're crazy and I like you! Enjoy your day fellow internet user :)
Sage advice, Frank, for the design industry, and every other. Creating value for one's self and vision, whether in design or another discipline, is the ultimate path.
I love design because I love drawing. I've drawn cars for years and have always been fascinated by how they look. I'm currently studying the third year of product design, and through that I have experienced challenges that give me the opportunity to become aware of my shortcomings such as having limited innovation and creativity, as well as not being good at digital work. I actively try to improve and better equip myself so that I can become a better designer. I suppose I am not super ambitious but I do hope that I can share my vision and ideas with the world through products I create or help create.
Wow...I've been a chef for 4 years, I love cooking but cars were always in the corner of my eye, since I was very young I loved playing car videogames and drawing my parents friend's cars, now more than ever I wish to study design, to learn the tools I need to put my ideas in a paper...I found this channel and specifically this video very encouraging, thanks Mr Stephenson
I will never be a professional car designer, but I do a lot of design work for my own projects...houses, cars, art...whatever, but your advice still makes me think, advance, evolve, and that's what it is all about. so thank you Frank.
No aspirations for a career in design here but I just love drawing cars and have for 35 years. I really enjoy watching pros like you and Chip Foose +++ render cars. Thanks Frank I really enjoy your content and perspectives. Respect!
Your advice is real. Thank you sincerely. With the tools and technology that are available to young designers today...the options for entry into the field, are infinite. However, one must be willing put in the long hours to achieve excellence...there is no shortcut to understanding design through intentionly acquired skill sets and solid research. 'Journey as Place...Becoming as End'...is a statement that evolved during the course of my own enquiry...it remains as a personal guide to this day. Still very much involved and curious about 'transpod' options and the actual Process of Design specifically, I agree that future innovations in car design is likely to come from left field. 'Retired' Architect.
Hi Frank. I’m a first term student at the Art Center for Transportation Design and I want to thank you for that inspirational video. The competition is very intense and just watching this video makes me want to work even harder.
This is such a beautifully spoken video with some real honest and confident answers. Its great to be able to access the mind of a legend designer like this and its great to see you went further than just the bog standard answers most people would have given. With 3d printing and automation being the norm in the future i really see a market opportunity for small bespoke auto manufacturers making really creative and groundbreaking work. Maybe designers will be contracted for design requests and instead of a wage they earn a percentage of the sales? Here is where some of the younger internet designers would come in. As you said, the mavricks.
This journey sounds so similar to the journey of a software developer or in my case a web developer. Great advice Frank 👍. I see a little of myself in your journey 👍
a really insightful and interesting video, and I'm not part of the automotive industry! your advice applies to a lot of young people out there who needs it. thank you!
Ive allways liked taking existing cars and tweeking the parts that gave it more character through sketching the alterations. Sometimes its just changing the proportions eg grill,headlight or angle of roofline. Ride height also to help wheels fit the arches.
The message really opens up the question of what is the real goal of a designer and creator and not just to limit himself to one area, but instead look beyond that, what mark, what impact he wants to leave, what would be his contribution, and then the field will find him, and also is he up to par to go for it, both attitude wise and also by work gradually improving and learning, mastering techniques.
Valuable points indeed. I feel like some of the points brought out in this video were speaking to me. The challenges that I have faced in this industry has only motivated me to keep going!
The quote from 7:53 It is a GREAT ONE!!! It scared me a bit. But it also reminded me that to a point WE will have to move on. Thanks for sharing Frank.
I think what draws me to automotive design specifically, is looking at the sheer style and flare that cars back then had, the wonder they gave to everyone. The cars were made to call forth their own image, to brand themselves in the minds and hearts of people. And what I've realised from watching your video, is that I want to return the uniquity and flow of past designs; to soften the lins and extenuate the unique features of modern cars to give them their *own* image.
When the full invasion started, I was in evacuation and was rethinking myself, I’ve been drawing since I am a kid, but when a school started getting harder I decided that I will become a dentist (I have doctors in my family line), and then after February 2022 I understood that if I won’t try to develop what I have from nature I would regret it, so I started drawing again and at the same time I started thinking about car designer path, because I love cars, I love those beautiful designs that are inspiring so many people, first it was so clumsy. But right now after two years I am in Arts university still improving my skills and I really often think if I really want to be a car designer, the path is not easy and sometimes I am struggling to get motivation, also Im a teenager in unstable world so I often think that I don’t know what I really want to do in this life. But yeah I love cars and I always have been drawing from my head, so new ideas are often there, but I’m so nervous and scared, although I understand that sometimes you just need to try to do what you can do and see where this path can bring you.
Thank you Frank for touching this part. Honestly I was dreaming to design whatever came between my eyes and the real world. I wanted to be acknowledged by my friends, by my parents (kind of - you have done well, we are proud of you) and also by people I didnt know. It was about contributing, submit something that people will remember eventually, also approval. Leave something behind. Leave something behind that is beautiful. Nature is beautiful, perfect. I also wanted to create something beautiful, something perfect. Perfection that i knew I couldnt achieve. I have been trough that very same stage, when you start become submissive to those who are superior to you. That moment you want to follow your master until you surpassed him and than look out for the next master. Pride played a big role too, to go through a concrete wall, even you recieved a clear no. Head strong, power of will, submissiveness and a tiny bit of Pride/Confidence -thats how i would describe it the best. Competition boosted the firelike will, like (lets see what I got up in my sleeves, maybe i can even surprise myself) I was carrying around my art portfolio almost daily. Whenever i found an opportunity to draw (portraits, stills, or landscapes) i just did it. Even in during classes...Eventually I gave up to be a product designer, the older i got, but .....For some reason .... and that is no exaggeration... I ended up being a car designer... without having studied car design. It wasnt a certificate that lead the way for me. It wasnt my technical skills (i actually pretty bad in free hand perspective), ..... it was simply my reputation that I always delivered what I said, i gonna do. Even it would have meant to pull the moon down to earth. Much coffee and much energy drinks throughout the years were thr main "contributers" to my success. I am not sure if it makes sense for someone else, what I am commenting here. Its chaotic but that chaotic made me. Maybe you might understand Frank ;)
just a video suggestion, it would be nice for you to analyze the design of some diecast cars, like Hot Wheels which makes some miniatures with its own design like Prototype H24, Syncro, Krazy 8's, Slingshot, etc.
Why I want to break into the automotive design industry is to be able to see my own designs out on the street, and think "I´ve designed that" That would make me so proud and happy
I started my way in through my academic career field, As a young ignorant child having no idea how valuable education was back then pushed me back a little but I worked hard and got my gpa up became a automotive technician and work as internship/ light maintenance tech. Also, I was more on the hands on side and sketched during class time which wasn't the best habit. Through life I eventually needed to decide how I was going to make a living and still pursue my career and end up in a R&D studio rather than wrenching my whole life. I'm 27 now, just turned in oct.30, just wanted to say I tried at least 7 times and I have never applied to any other USC/UC or other design school in my life. I know my path and I have this feeling I couldn't turn back now and finally I got accepted 2022 of spring. I looked at my sketches and rendering when I first applied, I was really embarrassed but I took some classes at art center at night for perspective students and they have some wonderful instructors and I love the setting where you can think and feel comfortable. I know for a fact that there are other students that are very skilled and perhaps more than me, but Im still willing to make the sacrifice to making it through. Never give up.
I love designing cars and have bold new ideas.. I have tried before to enter the industry but didn’t go to school.. I feel you are talking directly to me 😳
As you say this is universally good advice for any creative commercial industry, particularly those perceived as glamorous. Nothing you say doesn’t relate to my experience as a fashion photographer. And it is true the disrupters often come from outside.
Masterclass 👌🏻 I went to a design school that focused more on 'the idea' and problem solving than the actual drawing/ rendering skills I'd hoped I'd acquire. So a masterclass sounds exciting! Always great to hear your insights Mr. Stephenson, thanks for being so open about your experiences and knowledge 👍🏻
This was very inspiring, very structured information and rich with insights of real life troubles of not design, but more like mindset how to go on about designing, creating art and how to push yourself, improve yourself, to get to the dreams and levels one want to achieve, this video was a marvel, very useful and inspiring, just like this whole channel
Loving these videos and your quest to share your knowledge and expertise. I'm a bit old at nearly 49 to become a designer now, but it is what I wanted to do as a child. I've done my third 3D drawing now, and cheat a bit with a pencil and rubber, but I am amazed I can do this...
I began my journey as a videogame 3D asset creator and due to some funny plot twist in my life end up working on the oportunity of my lifetime designing a sport car from a new brand with an amazing team of engenieers. I cannot thank you enough for this video Mr Frank!
Such a wholesome video, it feels like a positive yet realistic and down to earth advice. I love cars for as long as I can remember. As someone who draw cars in almost every school book and folder page during primary and secondary school, my goal was to become a car designer. But upon seeing how small the chances of working for a brand were, I was put off it. I'd still like to study industrial design as I still find design (in general) super interesting. I find your comment on how the industry might be homogenised in a few years time really interesting and frightening. Would love to hear, as someone who's been in the industry for years, your take on the future of design. Specially taking into account the push that's given to autonomous driving, "mobility solutions" and electric mobility.
Resonated very well with this Frank, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Disrupting the status quo and remaining faithful in my approach was the main driver for me. Create freely without the limitations of expectations of the corporate BS and share it with the world. Like you summarised very nicely, create it and they will come, this in my experience has become a law.
Thank you, this is exactly the right information I needed to help me decide if I wanted to break into the design industry. The reason I want to get into the industry is so that way I can influence GM, like Harley Earl (my inspiration), and possibly bring back 2 or 3 famous marques.
I love design because it is the best, most elegant combination of art and science. Automotive design, specifically, is so intriguing because the experience is so rich and multi-faceted. The sight of the vehicle as it whizzes past, its stance when it is standing still, the sound it makes, the way the lights flicker, the personality of the headlights- everything about it. I had loved these as a kid, but along the years of education had perhaps lost the creative inclination, but maintained the technical one (I graduated with a Physics degree). Y otras cosas tambien. Vivi en espana para aprender la cultura y la idioma, y supe que compartes esa parte conmigo tambien desde tu documentary. Pero al final, quiero darte mi gracias para dejarme reconocer el amor que tenia siempre -- la de disenar y crear.
My lost dream. I studied law instead of design because I thought there would be very few opportunities to work in automotive design, with Australia's car industry shutting down. The only design outlet I get is filling the boardroom whiteboard with my monthly worm's eye view supercar, rally car, hot rod, restomod etc. I still design cars in my mind obsessively. Random everyday objects can trigger a daydream about the possible shape of a fender or headlight.
Great video Frank, I can totally relate to some of your advice and I believe it's very useful specially to the young people aspiring to become professional creators. To prove the point I'm an Aerodynamics Designer in Formula 1 and made it there by designing a my own F1 car (I even followed the FIA refulations to keep it realistic). I was tired of being rejected for "not having enough work experience" so I figured it was the way to prove I had the skills and the attitude for the job.
This Video has helped so much to find motivation towards deisgn again! I'm 21 and at a point in life were i can probably go in any direction that i want, but design and construction, especially in the automotive industry, have always fascinated me and it's the stuff i dream about at night. This Video was inspiring and the wake up call I needed . Thank you Frank for making these videos !!
Next year I'm going to study transportation design, because to me its the perfect mix between my two biggest passions, cars and art. Hopefully some day I'll be the one here talking about how amazing my career and peers were and trying to inspire the young ones.
Awesome video. Brings back memories of Strother McMinn and all the other ACCD instructors that put us through hell (but I did enjoy) in the 1980’s. The students I most remember were Brian Baker & Jess Harder who did make it in some way into the industry (I also remember Freeman Thomas!). I went on to become a product designer (and still to this day I work crazy hours as a freelancer.). For all those who want to make it, you should follow and learn from Mr Stephenson. Very down to earth and straight shooter.
As a kid I wanted to see, touch and drive my own sports cars. This is why I decided to teach myself on how to design and engineer cars. It's easy and everyone could do it, as long as you are passionate on what you want to accomplish and devote your time to practice and improve yourself.
You said to write you why... So I wanna become a car designer cause I draw and design cars since I remember my self, cars is my passion my hole life actually, cars have created my identity and my personality which I am proud of... I want to became an automotive designer more than everything and this is my plan and target... I am 17 years old and I will finish high school this summer and will apply at the HS Pforzheim university of arts or I may try also IED in Italy and I had the chance to even met a car designer with amazing experience and CV to have some guidance... Could you plz do a video, a tutorial on how to design cars from many angles, with different techniques just with a black bic pen and a piece of paper!?? 🙏🙏 This video had been one of the most inspiring video I have ever seen and thank you for sharing your advices with us!!!
I'm a 19 year old boy in South Africa, I grew up interested in drawing cars and buses till I thought of starting my own thing. I made a few designs which I could not repeat because everytime I'd come up with new ideas which result in a new design . Whenever I see cars especially those I like , I try to come up with my own ideas of how I could change or what I'd have made if I were to be the one who designed. Till this day , I have made a lot of designs for different companies like BMW, McLaren and rolls Royce . The problem I'm facing is how to get involved in the industry because it is difficult to contact them and get a response.
I've received what feels like hundreds of comments and emails asking for my guidance on the best way to 'break into the automotive industry'. In this episode I have tried my best my to answer that question not only from my own experience but also from my perspective on the industry as a whole and the future of design in general.
I'm 15 years old and I want to be a car designer .So is there still scope that this industry will survive till I complete my education?
Can you make a video about how to get women?
Thanks for this great content Frank.
My question is, is there really a chance of anyone getting recognition of a company online eg:instagram, facebook, linkedIN ?
Funny, that you‘ve also come across the competition mind set during your design studies. I still remember the transportation design guys, who constantly sat together to take a look at the drawings of the others to copy or be better. I always found that strange. This only seems to be the case in automotive design, NOT in industrial design as there, a more collaborative approach is pursued and teached. I think the big boards can only be drilled collaboratively, if you know what I mean. Greetings from a freelance designer, therefore, I liked your last statement very much!
“Before you surrender yourself to being an employee of a company, see what you can create for yourself.” Yes Sir! I'm so glad I went that route. Fantastic message Frank, I hope more people take it to heart. It's all there in today's world. It's available to you. As long as you're willing to put in the work.
Cheers man! 👍
Hey i Watch you redesigns too on your channel great work!
I watch and appreciate both channels. Maybe you'd be interested in a crossover and doing something interesting together. Like trying to redesign the same car or discussing a design you might have opposite opinion on. Anyway best wishes to both of you.
I remember as a student, we didn’t have these resources (like the sketch Monkey and Frank and many others videos.). Its a great time to get inspired by accomplished professionals and go for our dreams and create beautiful forms!
My dream is to design and build a kit car someday for the Indian market. Something that will be eye catching like the lancia stratos Zero concept and perfect to take your fellow companion in.
I worked with Frank at The Rover Group in the mid to late 90s. We were both based in the design studio. I was the surface engineer working in ICEMsurf translating his designs into CAD. I was straight from university. I can honestly say he is the most approachable and charismatic car designer I have met met in my 25 years working for OEMs. I even have the thank you card you sent me written on a postcard of the Mk1 BMW mini concept. I’d guess that you won’t remember me but I’ll never forget you. Great videos Frank!
do you think it'd be possible that he'd want to work for my game company to design hundreds of all types of vehicles and a large variety of customization parts to go with them? frank seems to have an amazing grasp on every type of vehicle design from past to present to future and i'd love to have him be my lead vehicle designer. (i'm scared to see how large his paycheck would have to be haha. but i'll happily pay whatever it takes)
This is real. Every professional needs to hear this.
In the age of information, it's all about getting the right information. And that's the one Frank is dropping, not even asking for anything in return except for us to reflect a bit. Only love for this channel, I hope it keeps growing.
odd to see you here XD
@@lennartstip6395 right?
I love designing objects and furniture, sketching cars, and sometimes I dream that the sketches could become real someday and I could touch them with my bare hands, that’s the reason why, I will keep going on, and I’ll reach my goal.
try making prototypes and perfecting them.
Agreed with Bandito: put the time into learning the crafting methods to make your own designs.
You'll get there if you keep putting in the effort and pushing your abilities!
@@tinydiccbandito4953 I want to make my own clay model never done it before any recommendations?
Same like you but can reach that goal without going college ??
im not even going to lie, this video made me re-question things i have been doing. I really wanted to go to art center, and for the past few years i have been trying hard with the portfolio. I have been rejected twice, but still working on there, because I want to be a car designer, and at the best school there is. This video really makes me question do i need to go there anymore to be a designer.
Understand you completely but then please show some of your work in a link for example.
Coming from someone that took three failed applications to get into a good design school, trust me it's worth it in the end. As frank said, the competition is HUGELY beneficial and is still very high today
I was rejected once from my first university (Industrial Design in Denmark), I reapplied and got in. Then after 2 years I realized it didn't lead me where I wanted, so I went another few years figuring out where I actually wanted to go in life. Now I'm finishing my transportation design thesis at a Design university in Italy.
You never know where you end up, but as long as you don't give up you are going to end up somewhere sooner or later :)
I also tried to get into design university and got rejected twice. Maybe I didn't try hard enough or I'm just not fit to be designer... So just recently I ended up choosing to study mechanical engineering. Not that I gave up on wanting to designer but to get proper education on product design and physics so that maybe I would have wider understanding on what would be a good design. Well.. Time will tell.
@@itaresam what I've come to understand, is that most of the design schools evaluate application portfolios (and potential entry exams) from some key points:
1. Your approach to a project (observing potential problems and scenarios, analyzing them, creating a project brief off of those observations)
2. How you explore ideas and potential concept directions (do you arrive very quickly to a main idea, or do you have variety in your potential choices? Just showing a very quick ideation stage or simply just the end product is never a good idea. Unlike math and physics, design never has a singular straight answer. For that reason you need to show how and why you came to your final result -the process is just as important as the conclusion)
3. How do you develop your initial idea(s) (How do you go from your initial idea/thoughts, through a developing stage, before arriving at a more finalized product where end result is a clear result of your continuous analysis of your project brief, and showing your reasons for doing certain changes along the way)
4. How you visualize your ideas (sketching, painting, 3d and computer software, physical models, etc. there is no limit to how you visualize. The important thing is just that you make a conscious attempt at sharing as many of your thoughts as possible through whatever medium you're able to use. It can be paper models, clay, heck build it in Minecraft if nothing else works. The school is there to teach you what you lack, and I've seen countless people with zero drawing ability be enrolled to design schools -although the required minimum drawing level may depend on the school you apply to).
5. How you present your projects (are they easy to understand, well summarized, is there a good flow from beginning to end?)
6. Variety in projects you present in your portfolio (show your diversity and originality, and how you approach problems in multiple fields)
These are the main key factors for most university design schools, seen from personal experience as well as knowing multiple people studying at design schools all over the world (Sweden, Germany, UK, Italy, Denmark, and more).
My first job out of college was as a junior designer at Chrysler when it was located in Highland Park, MI. I was placed into the international design studio, working for Bob Hubbach, the designer of the first Dodge Viper. It was back in 1973 and Hal Pilkey was the Studio Chief, and Bill Dayton was the Division Chief. I learned a lot in this studio. On my first day, Hal took me out to lunch at a popular greasy spoon on Woodward Ave. called The Pretzel Bowl. During lunch, Hal looked at me and he said, "Listen up kid, do this and you'll do well in this business....."Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you'll meet 'em on the way down." I never forgot that. While we were eating, a gentleman walked into the restaurant and Hall flagged him over to our table. Hal introduced me, and then they started talking about their days when they were near my age at Auburn, Cord and Duesenburg. The guy that Hal had introduced me to was none other than Gordon Buehrig himself....I was, as they say, Gobsmacked. I worked in exterior studios mainly, but then transferred to interior studios in the Walter P. Chrysler building. I did well at Chrysler, but, unlike many of the other designers, I just didn't have "gasoline" in my veins... I left the industry and moved west and started in the fledgling High Tech industry at Hewlett Packard. My career there was fantastic and I entered early into the new technology of computer aided design and 3d modeling in 1987. I became a HP Intrapaneur....and traveled to many HP sites world wide to design on many strategic products....it was a great move for me. I finished the last 20 years in my design career self employed and it was a blast. My undergraduate school was at the Cleveland Institute of Art, then a Masters Degree at the University of Michigan, sponsored by Chrysler, and I also graduated from Art Center with a Masters Degree in New Media in 1998...... tough program for sure. Thanks for your words of wisdom to up and coming Auto designers....the business has changed so much, as AI is entering the mix. Markers, Pastels, Prisma Color Pencils seem so yesterday now. I've become proficient on Vizcom, Chat GPT and MidJourney....incredible results. Sorry I got long winded, but I sure did enjoy this podcast....thanks again.
I am a teenager i want to work in automotive design but I don't have money for design school now I am doing computer science.l want to ask can I get freelance work if I don't have a design in car design and work after my job
This is inspiring to the hobbies I naturally have. It can be applied to anything . It makes me want to push harder and harder.Thanks.
Frank, I want to thank you for making this video. Currently, I’m in my final year of high school. I have applied to (and am applying) several universities with an emphasis in design. I would say your advice here really helps and makes a lot of sense!
Did you maded it? I hope you have made it because I'm trying to do that too.
Hey, how is it going ?!
@@MxC07 Yeah, made it to ArtCenter. I started last fall, took a year of their portfolio prep classes and never looked back.
The self awareness comment is on point and crucial. The biggest problem for people is accepting their shortcomings and making a concerted effort to improve it. Criticising my work is something i do after every single project, large or small. The more it hurts, the more ground there is to be made up. Salute and keep the content coming
These videos are always interesting and professional!
In 30 years, I imagine new materials and manufacturing processes will enable designs we would have trouble imagining today. Every car could be unique.
One of the concepts that has driven my life and career has been the potential resurrection of the coachbuilding trade, via advanced technologies, rekindled appreciation of craftsmanship, and the advent of modular vehicle platforms
I am currently studying Aeronautical Enegeering to learn about aerodynamic and other things. When i can choose my minor, i will go toward the designing part of the education.
My dream is to create my own cars with designs i made my self, but to get there i will first have to get some experience by working at other company's.
Learning from a Professional is something that will be extremely helpful and will help me achieve my dream.
I am really happy that i found this channel and i hope i can learn a lot from you!
Someone You Don't Know Good luck. I am finishing my career in aerospace. I have a creative side to me which has been invaluable. I could see the difference between my ideas and solutions versus those without this side.
Love Syd Mead, had the privilege to see some of his paintings at Siggraph, just before he died, and they are unreal.
Screens don’t even do it justice. I had heard if him before but never really looked, but its incredible.
Frank i didn´t knew u lived on spain, i love ur videos, Sigue haciendo tus excelentes videos frank!
Gracias José. Soy más español que otra cosa.
Thank you for all the inputs and tips you gave in this video. I as a 15 year old teenager have always admired cars, because they're for me a special species between a living being and a machine, with their own voices, faces and personalities. That is also one of the reasons I always wanted to become a car designer, because a car's shape and appearance is one of the first things that makes you truly fall in love with it. I can remember spotting a (back then) brand new 2010 Maserati Quattroporte sport gts in black as a 5 year old boy at the Bismarkstraße, a very wide and one of the most used roads in Berlin, whilst I was doing some shopping with my family. And I just couldn't stop looking at it. It's beautiful shape with it's neutral but still elegant face and it's truly elegant but slightly sporty appearance just captured my heart. And because I also always liked painting and drawing cars, and people told me that they liked my pictures, I decided that I wanted to be a car designer.
The introduction of the new, distasteful, disgusting and disappointing BMW kidneys pushed my wish of becoming a car designer even further. Since then, I know that something needs to be done to prevent the loss of traditional design language of different car brands (such as BMW). But thanks to you @Frank Stephenson, I know what I have to look out for and what I have to keep in mind. And for this you get my biggest thank!
After watching this episode
Greater me got more motive and more respect Frank's works
Lesser me want the rocket lava lamp,x-wing, hulk buster armor, cap'murica shield and that ferrari models
Thank you for a great video. It inspired me a lot. Now I'm 28 and I have been working as a 3D modeler for nearly 6 years for a Japanese Company in Car industry. Car designer is my dream job. I'm Vietnamese and there is no Automotive Design School in Vietnam and I wasn't able to go to learn abroad in a Design school so I chose the way that led me to 3D Modeler as current time. I thought 3D Modeler is a good alternative for Car designer because it allows me work with professional designer closely but now I realize that I've torched my self. Now I'm trying my best grinding my self for skills that a professional designer needs and hope that it is not too late for me to have a chance to break in to Car design industry.
I'm looking forward for your next videos. Best wishes for you and good luck for me. :)
Up to a point all I wanted was to be a car designer but due to health and socio-economic reasons I was forced to put that aside as I could only dream of going abroad to study car design. I went down the route of mechanical design and then product design. I have worked as a mule and during the second year of masters got my shot at contributing to an actual vehicle design of a real company. I am really gratefull and currently working on a design proposal as part of my master thesis. It's not Mazda, Opel, Volvo, Ford or anything fancy as I have dreamed but it is close enough to call a success. I love the design and development process, I feel this is my purpose. Thank you for a wonderful video mr. Stephenson, really inspiring.
I am pursuing a career in automotive design simply because I love to bring beautiful things to life. The idea of being payed, to do what I love more than anything, is a dream.
'Less, but better' I think is the guiding light for me in design. S/O to Dieter. I think there are problems worth solving in the world - big and small - and there are wonderful rewards for solving them. But it's not simply about a functional fix, as emotional creatures, appreciation is never purely logic and a design with true elegance I believe sparks something in us. Also, the feeling of having created something tangible others find useful and delightful cannot be matched in my opinion. Frank, thanks for these videos. I am no car designer but you wisdom caries effortlessly.
I don’t the talent for design, I can’t even draw, but I sure enjoy listening to brilliant people talking and gaining knowledge, hopefully we can meet up one day sir on whiskey of your choice😉
Thank you for yet another amazing video
You make me wish I had a time machine. Art Center was where I dreamed of going but that did not happen. I'll just sit back and be one of the most privileged people on the planet who gets to see the fruits of those who had the ability to chase that dream. Battista "Pinin" Farina, Marcello Gandini, Giovanni & Nuccio Bertone, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Tony Lapine, Frank Stephenson Santos, Luc Donckerwolke, Michelle Christiansen, Ian Callum, Horacio Pagani... there will be countless others who will create some of the most amazing vehicles we’ve ever seen. OEM or not the next 25 yrs will just be awe-inspiring. Thank you as always Frank for a job well done. I'm going to go work on my TARDIS now.
10:50 I hope you’re talking about making a masterclass with *the* Masterclass. I’d love to watch it.
There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation.
This is a great quote, and whenever I create something, I find it very fulfilling.
Considering OEMs and design, I can't wait for more 'tech' manufacturers to kick in! I have this wish (idea) about simple modular EV platform that will have same chassis and customers will choose their own body design and interior. Tech companies an new manufacturing techniques could make this happen. Influencers will be first customers :)
I am a new designer, and your video really inspired me, thank you. It encouraged me from exactly where I am at. Thank you Frank Stephenson. I am a fan. Bless you.
I took a moment to think about this and my answer to "why do you want to be a car designer?" is probably the same as that of Batista "pinin" Farina: to leave a mark, a legacy, something that i could be associated with for decades to come, maybe one day there will be chats, forums or podcasts or even documentaries about Amine "Mino" Assal's designs, just something i could be remembered with.
perhaps that's what we all want in the glimpse of time we have on this earth.
Fue mi sueño de pequeño pero fui cobarde y me hice abogado. Ya soy viejo ( 54 ) para intentarlo ahora. Disfruto de los coches bien diseñados. Enhorabuena Frank por tu carrera brillante, eres el " Mozart " del diseño de coches.
today I realized that definitely Angles are exist. Thank you Mr. Frank for your advices.
Frank, it’s fantastic you shared this. It’s natural to see successful people and want to be in their position. What people don’t see is how much hard work and sacrifice there is-hours and hours, even when you no longer want to, sacrificing your personal life, taking risks others around you are not, and with no real assurance or guarantee it’ll ever amount to anything. I think this is true in every industry. I appreciate your sharing this point of view to share it with others.
I always wanted to follow the Automotive Design path, but I got the same thought your teacher said to you, about the fact that very few people get to the finish line with a clear future in automotive design, so I got scared and jumped into a safer, but still quite hard, path: Mechanical Engineering. As of today, I'm two years away (aprox) from graduation, and sometimes I regret choosing this way, and not experiencing what's on the other side, as it's been like most people following you, a childhood dream to design cars. Still, I'm happy with the desitions I took, and I look forward to maybe someday, aproach the automotive desing industry from an engineer point of view.
Thanks for these tips Frank, I'll keep them close to mind. I also be waiting for your design masterclass!
I too am pursuing mechanical engineering right now... I will be 22 at graduation and will mostly look for a work experience job for about a year and then leave for Germany to try and get admission in a design University there..
You both try to get a master in transportation design right away. I did just that, went into mech engineering because there was no such thing as product design in my country, then just ended up frustrated with the work I got later in life. It can pay ok(ish) but there's not much space for creative flair in it
My brother is an automotive technician. He recently got a accepted into the Tesla program that Miami Dade College offers. But, for now he plans to become a CDL truck driver. I just feel in love with the process of hooking up my 2005 Ford Focus. That I just started looking up every problem that it had and figuring out how it can run better. Thanks for this video. I really needed to hear this.
I study architecture in Delft and I recognize the statements made in this video. With so many great names around you and people working alongside you you’re pushed to try your very best
I'm already involved in a startup company, I don't have any design background degree, coming from such circumstances, I always try to get constructive feedbacks so I can understand where I would stand among other professionals and how can I improve myself. In doing so, I also sent a few of my works to you looking for feedback on how am I doing. By this point, one of my design is in prototype stage while there is another project where I've designed a custom car for a planned movie. Those are the projects which are not mine but I'm part of it, my projects include a little bit of Animation/VFX, 3D Art, Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Music.
So you're telling me, I can still achieve my dream even if I didn't go to design collage and don't have any qualification....?😮
Art is at the center of my heart and when growing up I've never known anyone who dreamed about designing a car like me...
So.. may be there will be opportunities out there for me in the future. Thank you so much for this message, for feeding my heart.❤
Just a few days ago started to make an online Portfolio where I will upload (as well as to all possible platforms) daily iterations of ideas, mainly 2D SciFi, Abstracts, but definitely vehicles too :) So many of the impressions and feelings we grew up with, and are exposed to now, can be transformed into something for the future. Strangely beautiful how You posted a video about an "outside approach" just now. As if all minds on the planet are somehow connected. That´s a great motivation!
It's lovely, mr. Stephenson, that you want to hear our dreams and stories related to the automotive industry. It is an element that I certainly appreciate with modern technology and media, that great people like yourself are able and willing to connect with global audiences who would never even come close to such opportunities just 10 years ago.
If anyone's curious, here's my personal story of how I pursue transportation design:
I've always enjoyed imagining things and creating something that didn't already exist. It's my endless drive, I go every day and observe the world we live in - and I think to myself how I can see opportunities to change it or introduce new exciting elements we can interact with and find new ways of living that don't yet exist. I have a constant desire to challenge the world and make life more exciting, see things from a new perspective, and improve what's already here.
I already had the idea of pursuing a career in car design when I entered high school - or just any design related job really (but my main passion was for cars so that was the obvious priority). Unfortunately I live in Denmark, where the car industry is pretty much non existent. So I considered the second best option at hand, which was to apply for an Industrial Design course at the Danish Royal Arts University (always fancy titles for these places). I didn't get accepted at my first attempt at applying, so I tried again a year later and got in. I enjoy industrial design in general, and the many philosophies tied to it. However, the teaching itself left me wanting more, there was too much focus on academic topics and soft values, and not enough focus on practical experience nor teaching/insight into various industries. I ended up dropping it, as it felt too much of a waste of time for me, so I thought to myself how far I'd have to go to actually get a real foothold in the automotive industry. I ended up looking at studying abroad, which led me to applying at a Transportation Design university in Italy where I currently am completing my final Thesis project.
One of the biggest experiences of this process, has definitely been to travel and live in a foreign country with its independent culture and ways of working/approaching schooling. It's the complete opposite from the old school I came from, for better and worse. I think most of all it gave me perspective, helped me sort the good and less good experiences I carried with me from my first design school in Denmark, and helped make me realize what is actually important to me as a person, and where my values are in regards to being a professional designer and earning a living through this industry. Still, the thought of actually earning money for this kind of work still seems like a fairytale story to me, at least until I hopefully land my first internship/job opportunity.
What has stood out the most to me, has definitely been my own focus on how I want to work as a designer in the future. It's still fundamentally the desire to create and dream of a future that for now exists in my mind, but could become reality tomorrow - and I believe that the fewer steps there are between having my ideas and actually realizing them, the happier I will be. I believe niche companies or a smaller studio will be to my liking, somewhere where I can have an impact and learn a lot along the way, hopefully work with a more tightly connected team of passionate people, rather than a large workforce where designers can easily be substituted. Let me put it like this: No matter who the designer is, the new Audi A6 is going to exist regardless. But a revival of McLaren? That only happens with very special and dedicated people behind. Doesn't really matter with the scale of the brand or it's overall importance and value. As long as my thoughts are not replaceable, then I will work like no one else could.
If you read this far, you're crazy and I like you! Enjoy your day fellow internet user :)
Keep pushing Mister...with that drive and passion you’ll definitely get there...keep your foot on the accelerator. 👍🚀
@@FrankStephensondesign Thank you for the encouragement! Already looking forward to your next video upload, they're a treat.
Know exactly what your motivation is. Don't force yourself into one direction that you are not 100% sure
Sage advice, Frank, for the design industry, and every other. Creating value for one's self and vision, whether in design or another discipline, is the ultimate path.
I love design because I love drawing. I've drawn cars for years and have always been fascinated by how they look.
I'm currently studying the third year of product design, and through that I have experienced challenges that give me the opportunity to become aware of my shortcomings such as having limited innovation and creativity, as well as not being good at digital work.
I actively try to improve and better equip myself so that I can become a better designer. I suppose I am not super ambitious but I do hope that I can share my vision and ideas with the world through products I create or help create.
Wow...I've been a chef for 4 years, I love cooking but cars were always in the corner of my eye, since I was very young I loved playing car videogames and drawing my parents friend's cars, now more than ever I wish to study design, to learn the tools I need to put my ideas in a paper...I found this channel and specifically this video very encouraging, thanks Mr Stephenson
Love the Syd Mead sketches. Good advice about Corporate penny pushers too.
I will never be a professional car designer, but I do a lot of design work for my own projects...houses, cars, art...whatever, but your advice still makes me think, advance, evolve, and that's what it is all about. so thank you Frank.
I want to be a designer but my family can't afford design school and I am 19
Hey you can do it just believe in your self mate and make a great portfolio and you can do freelance work@@annapurnabehera8522
No aspirations for a career in design here but I just love drawing cars and have for 35 years. I really enjoy watching pros like you and Chip Foose +++ render cars. Thanks Frank I really enjoy your content and perspectives. Respect!
That's amazing! Not just empty motivational speech. I'm thankfull for those 12:25mins.
That background score really hit hard with the content!!!!
Great insight!
Your advice is real. Thank you sincerely. With the tools and technology that are available to young designers today...the options for entry into the field, are infinite.
However, one must be willing put in the long hours to achieve excellence...there is no shortcut to understanding design through intentionly acquired skill sets and solid research.
'Journey as Place...Becoming as End'...is a statement that evolved during the course of my own enquiry...it remains as a personal guide to this day.
Still very much involved and curious about 'transpod' options and the actual Process of Design specifically,
I agree that future innovations in car design is likely to come from left field.
'Retired' Architect.
Hi Frank. I’m a first term student at the Art Center for Transportation Design and I want to thank you for that inspirational video. The competition is very intense and just watching this video makes me want to work even harder.
This is such a beautifully spoken video with some real honest and confident answers. Its great to be able to access the mind of a legend designer like this and its great to see you went further than just the bog standard answers most people would have given.
With 3d printing and automation being the norm in the future i really see a market opportunity for small bespoke auto manufacturers making really creative and groundbreaking work. Maybe designers will be contracted for design requests and instead of a wage they earn a percentage of the sales? Here is where some of the younger internet designers would come in. As you said, the mavricks.
That first semester drawing class with Mr. Youngkin was ....an experience every design student needs to endure and appreciate!
💥👍🔥
This journey sounds so similar to the journey of a software developer or in my case a web developer. Great advice Frank 👍. I see a little of myself in your journey 👍
a really insightful and interesting video, and I'm not part of the automotive industry!
your advice applies to a lot of young people out there who needs it.
thank you!
Incredible video Frank, honestly, makes me a lot more comfortable about my future inside the design industry
Ive allways liked taking existing cars and tweeking the parts that gave it more character through sketching the alterations. Sometimes its just changing the proportions eg grill,headlight or angle of roofline. Ride height also to help wheels fit the arches.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us. It is all about of self reflection, and how you define your worth.
Masterclass from drawing the 996 as a kid. Design is life
The message really opens up the question of what is the real goal of a designer and creator and not just to limit himself to one area, but instead look beyond that, what mark, what impact he wants to leave, what would be his contribution, and then the field will find him, and also is he up to par to go for it, both attitude wise and also by work gradually improving and learning, mastering techniques.
Valuable points indeed. I feel like some of the points brought out in this video were speaking to me. The challenges that I have faced in this industry has only motivated me to keep going!
The quote from 7:53 It is a GREAT ONE!!! It scared me a bit. But it also reminded me that to a point WE will have to move on.
Thanks for sharing Frank.
I think what draws me to automotive design specifically, is looking at the sheer style and flare that cars back then had, the wonder they gave to everyone. The cars were made to call forth their own image, to brand themselves in the minds and hearts of people. And what I've realised from watching your video, is that I want to return the uniquity and flow of past designs; to soften the lins and extenuate the unique features of modern cars to give them their *own* image.
When the full invasion started, I was in evacuation and was rethinking myself, I’ve been drawing since I am a kid, but when a school started getting harder I decided that I will become a dentist (I have doctors in my family line), and then after February 2022 I understood that if I won’t try to develop what I have from nature I would regret it, so I started drawing again and at the same time I started thinking about car designer path, because I love cars, I love those beautiful designs that are inspiring so many people, first it was so clumsy. But right now after two years I am in Arts university still improving my skills and I really often think if I really want to be a car designer, the path is not easy and sometimes I am struggling to get motivation, also Im a teenager in unstable world so I often think that I don’t know what I really want to do in this life. But yeah I love cars and I always have been drawing from my head, so new ideas are often there, but I’m so nervous and scared, although I understand that sometimes you just need to try to do what you can do and see where this path can bring you.
Thank you Frank for touching this part.
Honestly I was dreaming to design whatever came between my eyes and the real world. I wanted to be acknowledged by my friends, by my parents (kind of - you have done well, we are proud of you) and also by people I didnt know. It was about contributing, submit something that people will remember eventually, also approval. Leave something behind. Leave something behind that is beautiful. Nature is beautiful, perfect. I also wanted to create something beautiful, something perfect. Perfection that i knew I couldnt achieve. I have been trough that very same stage, when you start become submissive to those who are superior to you. That moment you want to follow your master until you surpassed him and than look out for the next master. Pride played a big role too, to go through a concrete wall, even you recieved a clear no. Head strong, power of will, submissiveness and a tiny bit of Pride/Confidence -thats how i would describe it the best. Competition boosted the firelike will, like (lets see what I got up in my sleeves, maybe i can even surprise myself) I was carrying around my art portfolio almost daily. Whenever i found an opportunity to draw (portraits, stills, or landscapes) i just did it. Even in during classes...Eventually I gave up to be a product designer, the older i got, but .....For some reason .... and that is no exaggeration... I ended up being a car designer... without having studied car design. It wasnt a certificate that lead the way for me. It wasnt my technical skills (i actually pretty bad in free hand perspective), ..... it was simply my reputation that I always delivered what I said, i gonna do. Even it would have meant to pull the moon down to earth.
Much coffee and much energy drinks throughout the years were thr main "contributers" to my success. I am not sure if it makes sense for someone else, what I am commenting here. Its chaotic but that chaotic made me. Maybe you might understand Frank ;)
This video is so motivational. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this channel!
just a video suggestion, it would be nice for you to analyze the design of some diecast cars, like Hot Wheels which makes some miniatures with its own design like Prototype H24, Syncro, Krazy 8's, Slingshot, etc.
Why I want to break into the automotive design industry is to be able to see my own designs out on the street, and think "I´ve designed that" That would make me so proud and happy
Young frank looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger
I started my way in through my academic career field, As a young ignorant child having no idea how valuable education was back then pushed me back a little but I worked hard and got my gpa up became a automotive technician and work as internship/ light maintenance tech. Also, I was more on the hands on side and sketched during class time which wasn't the best habit. Through life I eventually needed to decide how I was going to make a living and still pursue my career and end up in a R&D studio rather than wrenching my whole life. I'm 27 now, just turned in oct.30, just wanted to say I tried at least 7 times and I have never applied to any other USC/UC or other design school in my life. I know my path and I have this feeling I couldn't turn back now and finally I got accepted 2022 of spring. I looked at my sketches and rendering when I first applied, I was really embarrassed but I took some classes at art center at night for perspective students and they have some wonderful instructors and I love the setting where you can think and feel comfortable. I know for a fact that there are other students that are very skilled and perhaps more than me, but Im still willing to make the sacrifice to making it through. Never give up.
I love designing cars and have bold new ideas.. I have tried before to enter the industry but didn’t go to school.. I feel you are talking directly to me 😳
Go for it!
As you say this is universally good advice for any creative commercial industry, particularly those perceived as glamorous. Nothing you say doesn’t relate to my experience as a fashion photographer. And it is true the disrupters often come from outside.
Masterclass 👌🏻 I went to a design school that focused more on 'the idea' and problem solving than the actual drawing/ rendering skills I'd hoped I'd acquire. So a masterclass sounds exciting! Always great to hear your insights Mr. Stephenson, thanks for being so open about your experiences and knowledge 👍🏻
This was very inspiring, very structured information and rich with insights of real life troubles of not design, but more like mindset how to go on about designing, creating art and how to push yourself, improve yourself, to get to the dreams and levels one want to achieve, this video was a marvel, very useful and inspiring, just like this whole channel
Thank you for the insight. I am looking forward to continuing my design journey with your videos.
Loving these videos and your quest to share your knowledge and expertise. I'm a bit old at nearly 49 to become a designer now, but it is what I wanted to do as a child. I've done my third 3D drawing now, and cheat a bit with a pencil and rubber, but I am amazed I can do this...
I began my journey as a videogame 3D asset creator and due to some funny plot twist in my life end up working on the oportunity of my lifetime designing a sport car from a new brand with an amazing team of engenieers. I cannot thank you enough for this video Mr Frank!
Sir l am 19 my family can't afford design school but I am passionate about designing cars l want some guidance from you please
Wonderful. Remarkable advice and steadfast guidance in a changing world.
Such a wholesome video, it feels like a positive yet realistic and down to earth advice.
I love cars for as long as I can remember. As someone who draw cars in almost every school book and folder page during primary and secondary school, my goal was to become a car designer. But upon seeing how small the chances of working for a brand were, I was put off it. I'd still like to study industrial design as I still find design (in general) super interesting.
I find your comment on how the industry might be homogenised in a few years time really interesting and frightening. Would love to hear, as someone who's been in the industry for years, your take on the future of design. Specially taking into account the push that's given to autonomous driving, "mobility solutions" and electric mobility.
“Build it and they will come” iconic words
Amazing again Frank, priceless tips here and also a great value by sharing your experience stories. Once again, my respects🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing your knowledge Frank, truly invaluable advice from a master craftsman. I look forward to your online class.
As a cartoonist, and furry artist striving for High tier recognition and respect in the art world I totally agree with your points. Very applicable.
Resonated very well with this Frank, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Disrupting the status quo and remaining faithful in my approach was the main driver for me. Create freely without the limitations of expectations of the corporate BS and share it with the world. Like you summarised very nicely, create it and they will come, this in my experience has become a law.
There's so much work, the video's great.
Thank you, this is exactly the right information I needed to help me decide if I wanted to break into the design industry. The reason I want to get into the industry is so that way I can influence GM, like Harley Earl (my inspiration), and possibly bring back 2 or 3 famous marques.
I love design because it is the best, most elegant combination of art and science. Automotive design, specifically, is so intriguing because the experience is so rich and multi-faceted. The sight of the vehicle as it whizzes past, its stance when it is standing still, the sound it makes, the way the lights flicker, the personality of the headlights- everything about it. I had loved these as a kid, but along the years of education had perhaps lost the creative inclination, but maintained the technical one (I graduated with a Physics degree). Y otras cosas tambien. Vivi en espana para aprender la cultura y la idioma, y supe que compartes esa parte conmigo tambien desde tu documentary. Pero al final, quiero darte mi gracias para dejarme reconocer el amor que tenia siempre -- la de disenar y crear.
Es un placer, gracias!
My lost dream. I studied law instead of design because I thought there would be very few opportunities to work in automotive design, with Australia's car industry shutting down.
The only design outlet I get is filling the boardroom whiteboard with my monthly worm's eye view supercar, rally car, hot rod, restomod etc.
I still design cars in my mind obsessively. Random everyday objects can trigger a daydream about the possible shape of a fender or headlight.
Applies to most design
disciplines. Very inspiring video.
Great video Frank, I can totally relate to some of your advice and I believe it's very useful specially to the young people aspiring to become professional creators. To prove the point I'm an Aerodynamics Designer in Formula 1 and made it there by designing a my own F1 car (I even followed the FIA refulations to keep it realistic). I was tired of being rejected for "not having enough work experience" so I figured it was the way to prove I had the skills and the attitude for the job.
This Video has helped so much to find motivation towards deisgn again! I'm 21 and at a point in life
were i can probably go in any direction that i want, but design and construction, especially in the automotive
industry, have always fascinated me and it's the stuff i dream about at night. This Video
was inspiring and the wake up call I needed . Thank you Frank for making these videos !!
Next year I'm going to study transportation design, because to me its the perfect mix between my two biggest passions, cars and art. Hopefully some day I'll be the one here talking about how amazing my career and peers were and trying to inspire the young ones.
Awesome video. Brings back memories of Strother McMinn and all the other ACCD instructors that put us through hell (but I did enjoy) in the 1980’s. The students I most remember were Brian Baker & Jess Harder who did make it in some way into the industry (I also remember Freeman Thomas!). I went on to become a product designer (and still to this day I work crazy hours as a freelancer.). For all those who want to make it, you should follow and learn from Mr Stephenson. Very down to earth and straight shooter.
I enjoy all of your videos, though I find this the most interresting. thank you!
As a kid I wanted to see, touch and drive my own sports cars. This is why I decided to teach myself on how to design and engineer cars. It's easy and everyone could do it, as long as you are passionate on what you want to accomplish and devote your time to practice and improve yourself.
This video was inspirational, time to render my car again!
Couldn’t ask for any better topic for you to address. Thank you for your inspiration and experience sharing!
Thank you, Frank. I think you just changed my life.
You said to write you why...
So I wanna become a car designer cause I draw and design cars since I remember my self, cars is my passion my hole life actually, cars have created my identity and my personality which I am proud of... I want to became an automotive designer more than everything and this is my plan and target... I am 17 years old and I will finish high school this summer and will apply at the HS Pforzheim university of arts or I may try also IED in Italy and I had the chance to even met a car designer with amazing experience and CV to have some guidance...
Could you plz do a video, a tutorial on how to design cars from many angles, with different techniques just with a black bic pen and a piece of paper!?? 🙏🙏
This video had been one of the most inspiring video I have ever seen and thank you for sharing your advices with us!!!
I'm a 19 year old boy in South Africa, I grew up interested in drawing cars and buses till I thought of starting my own thing. I made a few designs which I could not repeat because everytime I'd come up with new ideas which result in a new design . Whenever I see cars especially those I like , I try to come up with my own ideas of how I could change or what I'd have made if I were to be the one who designed. Till this day , I have made a lot of designs for different companies like BMW, McLaren and rolls Royce . The problem I'm facing is how to get involved in the industry because it is difficult to contact them and get a response.
This is such an awesome and informative video, exactly what I'd need if I wanted to become a car designer
Thank you for this I look forward to seeing you in person once I graduate with my Transportation design bachelors.