Here’s the deal. My dad owns a hot rod shop that does fabrication, design, bodywork, etc. If I get some award-winning designs under my belt, would that help me get a real design job? I mean, do companies look more at education or experience? What else would I need to know?

Nick Pfannenstiel

Go to school to study to become a designer, it will broaden your perspective and outlook. There is only so much you can learn on your own or working with your dad that you will not get unless you go to school.

--cel

Yeah, I started to really think about it and know just what you mean. Thanks.

Of course you should study car design if you want to be a car designer......but! Dont turn down the opportunity you have in your dads workshop to design and build a real vehicle. Do both! Even if what you do does not turn out to be award winning, it will be a great experience and show any potential employer that you are one of lifes "doing people".

Thanks for the reply. You are absolutely right. I just can't afford to move away or go to school right now. Do you know of any design schools in the Colorado area?

Nick Pfannenstiel

Yeah... definitely try to do both. However, most of the design schools that teach Transportation Design are not in Colorado. Art Center and Academy of Art in California, CCS in Detroit. Also, I think there is one in Clevland, Ohio.

--cel