new here, thought I'd intro my work,self

[Hdesign]

The design aspect is the tough part. Formal training is almost a must. Many automotive designers (especially manufacturers) go to Art Center in Pasadena. The average age for a freshman there is 27 so most of them have probably already gotten an undergrad degree from another design school. It was too expensive for me at the time and life was taking me in other directions so I never went there. However, I did graduate from an engineering and design school with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Design. I probably learned 3 times as much in my internships through there than the classroom.

The car design aspect of my education was self taught by coping photos and copying renderings from magazines since I was a kid...actually from some of the artists on this forum.

Be patient with your work. Keep drawing, keep experimenting, make a mess, and don't be affraid to spend the money on good materials. They really do help once you get the basics nailed.

[Colvindesign]

Originally Posted by Hdesign

The design aspect is the tough part. Formal training is almost a must. Many automotive designers (especially manufacturers) go to Art Center in Pasadena. The average age for a freshman there is 27 so most of them have probably already gotten an undergrad degree from another design school. It was too expensive for me at the time and life was taking me in other directions so I never went there. However, I did graduate from an engineering and design school with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Design. I probably learned 3 times as much in my internships through there than the classroom.

The car design aspect of my education was self taught by coping photos and copying renderings from magazines since I was a kid...actually from some of the artists on this forum.

Be patient with your work. Keep drawing, keep experimenting, make a mess, and don't be affraid to spend the money on good materials. They really do help once you get the basics nailed.

check your PM box

I also wanted to ask if you use anything for masking. I bought a roll of masking..... umm stuff, and it sticks to my paper too well. I used it on an illustration and then when I went to remove it, it ripped up the paper.

[sean smith]

Yeah...your gonna wanna buy what we call frisket film...You can but it on low tack or high tack....Buy the low tack....And use it with a good marker bond paper....Like letramax...or even vinccent vellum...If you cant by that were you live call art centerask for student store and they can order/ship for you...If the film is still to sticky apply to a clean wall or glass and let it sit for a minute...then peel it off and put on the rendering...And ALWAYS use a sharp xacto...and dont cut through the paper....I dont use this techniqe any more...I use photoshop...But for discipline and practice this will help your sensitivty with your hand drawing skills....Lots of guys use the computer for rendering these days...But being able to do both is ideal....good luck

oh yeah...buy the best supplies you can get this means markers....prisma,chartpac,copic..etc.....
remeber tools dont cost they pay in the long run...

ss

[Hdesign]

Originally Posted by Colvindesign

check your PM box

I also wanted to ask if you use anything for masking. I bought a roll of masking..... umm stuff, and it sticks to my paper too well. I used it on an illustration and then when I went to remove it, it ripped up the paper.

Never used the stuff...takes to long. Though on some graphics like intricate flames, I may render on an overlay, cut those out and spray mount (3M super 77 only) them to the main rendering. Also, since I don't have an airbrush to do subtle gradients, I use scraped chaulk/bestine on a gause pad. Use a sharp eraser to get crisp edges or remove chaulk. Once you've made a nice mess outside of boundaries of the rendering, you can cut it out and mount it on a clean sheet with a background. My wife got sick of me messing up the dining room table so I started using photoshop...cleaner, quicker and the "undo" command is great!

[Colvindesign]

Originally Posted by Hdesign

Never used the stuff...takes to long. Though on some graphics like intricate flames, I may render on an overlay, cut those out and spray mount (3M super 77 only) them to the main rendering. Also, since I don't have an airbrush to do subtle gradients, I use scraped chaulk/bestine on a gause pad. Use a sharp eraser to get crisp edges or remove chaulk. Once you've made a nice mess outside of boundaries of the rendering, you can cut it out and mount it on a clean sheet with a background. My wife got sick of me messing up the dining room table so I started using photoshop...cleaner, quicker and the "undo" command is great!

yeah, My problem is my scanner is only so-so, and my line work fails to come up good in Photoshop. I tried using the masking material, but I find it is more frustrating than anything else, also I just think I can be better with my markers instead.

oh, here is why I mentioned I wanted a Wacom, I will post a pic of my drawing and the same drawing done on a Wacom, with "Sketchbook Pro" software.

[Hdesign]

Lately I've been taking the linework, xeroxing it (play with the contrast), sharpen up the lines after and then scan it in. I have a sort of cheapo scanner too that is going to be replaced as soon as I can afford a decent one.

That Wacom line sketch looks cool but I also like the original. You could probably get the same look with a black marker. I have yet to try one out and justify the outrageous price. It would have to be a very drastic improvement for me to invest.

It really is more personal opinion than anything...personally, I think money could be better spent on good traditional drawing supplies or maybe Photoshop. Just my $.02