Originally posted by cyrusyn: As far as I know he joined Chrysler in 1992 when he was 21. Now he is 36 and is a VP.
VP? Of what? Last time I checked he was officially the director of product design for future vehicles.
Oh, and referring to your statement about "those sharp edged headlight designs" and how they stem from the designers and consumer's immaturity or unsecurity, if you feel that way about it you may want to re-evaluate your decision to get into the field. Trends are always changing and as an automotive designer you have to be able to adapt to it quickly and be able to put those new aesthetics into a cohesive automotive form and graphic vocabulary. Relating new trends to the consumer's immaturity and unsecurity may not be the best mindset to have, if you know what I mean. There isn't much room for nostalgia nowadays, OEMs want to see things that are fresh and usually that whole "retro" thing doesn't go over well when you're still only applying for new positions.
And yes, students are quite competitive with each other throughout college. It also depends on each specific class. Our senior class is pretty helpful and friendly towards each other and my class can be quite brutal. But the other half of that is there are people in our class(sophomore) that can sketch and render better because we push each other so much. So I think you should definitely expect some competitive-minded students and not let that get to you.
We had a senior who was 33/34 last year and he got a job with Altair Engineering(design firm) down in florida I believe right away. So no, I don't think it's too late for you to start as long as you have exceptional sketching and design skills and are able to work well with others. Also, I'm not sure if Pratt is known for having a dedicated trans program but I would highly recommend going somewhere with a solid reputation in the field.
CCS Automotive 2009 "Use no way as way, Have no limitation as limitation" - Bruce Lee "Take notes on the world, there will be a test" - Chris Bangle
Oh, and referring to your statement about "those sharp edged headlight designs" and how they stem from the designers and consumer's immaturity or unsecurity, if you feel that way about it you may want to re-evaluate your decision to get into the field. Trends are always changing and as an automotive designer you have to be able to adapt to it quickly
Its a documented phenomenon that many new cars have aggressive 'faces' relative to the rounded happy shapes of the '90s and this has been speculatively linked to a subconscious feeling of latent threat in the post 9/11 political climate, where indiscriminate death is delivered by car or plane.
And sorry but I call bulls**t on your assertion that the ability to jump on the latest trend is the most crucial aspect of being a designer, although often a new idea will seem to be developed simultaneously accross several studios because everyone talks to each other.
A designer is essentially trying to match human sensibility with machine functionality, which is an overarching concept far larger though not excluding intresting new headlights.
sketch your **** off in the hope of getting your work picked, then sketch your **** of again develping it and hoping it doesnt get canned.
Be thankful you're held tight to the loving bosom of an OEM otherwise it would read -Sketch something, get feedback (make it appeal to a millionaire six year old", "give it more vents but less intakes"), carefully consider the next design move by brainstorming new concepts and floating ideas for debate and sh** for about 15 seconds, give the Man a call, drift up to the ceiling, kill housemates at Nightfire, pass out, repeat.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: JD + Coke,
VP? Of what? Last time I checked he was officially the director of product design for future vehicles.
Last time you checked? When was it? 5 years ago? Well, you better keep yourself updated rather than following the "trend", Smartguy." Thanks for your 5 cents though. Very helpful it was.
Whoa man, stop answering to threats when there weren't any in the first place.
First off, you didn't answer my question. I know now that he was appointed to vp Jeep/Truck and Component Design just starting april 1st of this year, so no i'm not 5 years out of date, "smart guy". Instead, I was most likely busy slaving away for my trans class to keep up to date on small details as such.
Second, I call it bulls**t when you start putting words in my mouth. Can you show me exactly where I said jumping on the latest trend is the most crucial thing to a designer? And it's not just headlights that are getting sharper, it's the whole entire bodywork. I still stand by what I say and stop taking other peoples' input as personal attacks. It's not very "helpful" towards generating a decent conversation.
CCS Automotive 2009 "Use no way as way, Have no limitation as limitation" - Bruce Lee "Take notes on the world, there will be a test" - Chris Bangle
Second, I call it bulls**t when you start putting words in my mouth. Can you show me exactly where I said jumping on the latest trend is the most crucial thing to a designer?
I sure can:
quote:
Trends are always changing and as an automotive designer you have to be able to adapt to it quickly and be able to put those new aesthetics into a cohesive automotive form and graphic vocabulary
So if we cut out the design-student waffle you said it was important to "quickly adapt" ie lift an aesthetic trend and transfer it into your own work. Thats more revealing about your personal working method than any aspect of design. Ralphius says: "The secret to that is making sure that it's a timeless design to start with and that it isn't overly trendy. I think the 300C is a classic design that will look good for years to come."
quote:
And it's not just headlights that are getting sharper, it's the whole entire bodywork.
That doesnt really mean anything does it? Certainly not in any literal sense. However, headlights, or at least the eyes our brains instictively interpret them as are becoming more aggressive. This is an interesting trend with further interesting implications for the social context and market forces shaping the design.
quote:
stop taking other peoples' input as personal attacks. It's not very "helpful" towards generating a decent conversation.
"Its a documented phenomenon that many new cars have aggressive 'faces' relative to the rounded happy shapes of the '90s and this has been speculatively linked to a subconscious feeling of latent threat in the post 9/11 political climate, where indiscriminate death is delivered by car or plane."
JD Coke, I would like to know if there is any domuments about the "phenomenon of many new cars have aggressive 'faces' due to post 9-11 trauma." I knew about this but am interested in learning in detail about this. Is there any online article about this or off line magazine article? I am willing to order back issue if there is a magazine.
