Sketchy Beginnings Part One

We used to have a large L-shaped sectional couch, back when I still sketched almost every day, with a wide flat armrest at each end, nearly perfect for resting a clipboard on.  There was also the dining room table of course, but a couple of things we did not have were a computer and a gaming console.  Modern life has its distractions...

Right now my clipboard sits just inches away from my trackball mouse, but I haven't sketched since last weekend (and it's Friday night).

Back in the day when a concept was on my mind I would sketch it over and over, covering a page or two and sometimes more.  When I started sketching this one, the image below was at the bottom of the first page:

Gen III AKA "BlueStar" AKA "Model C"

...But even then, I manipulated the image on this computer before posting it to Google Plus.  Click the hyperlink below the image to view the what I wrote in the post, plus comments.

Basically what is happening is that I've become inspired, as explained in my most recent post LOSING MY AMATEUR STATUS?, to apply my creative focus toward concepts for Tesla Motors.  A side effect of my interest in this manufacturer and its products is a revival of all Tellurian Motors concepts, as the Tesla platforms would provide excellent bases for Tellurians.

Finally a path has been illuminated, that leads to the ultimate goal of building vehicles purely of my own design -- but wait.  That's not what this is about.  I'm not motivated to work with Tesla because it would eventually lead to the birth of Tellurian Motors.  It's not a stepping stone.  No, I'm genuinely inspired here, my mind swimming with concepts for Tesla Motors...

...of which the "Model C" is NOT one, to be frank.  While I find it an interesting exercise to treat the concept as if I had some say in how it will appear in production, I am under no disillusion that the ship hasn't already sailed -- or at least will have done, by the time anyone at Tesla Motors becomes aware of what I've been doing.

All I can do with the C is demonstrate my capability -- and so far, I'm coming up short.  While there is quite a lot in my head about this vehicle, not much of it has been put on paper.  As Tegan Quin says in that early epic song Superstar(Red Demo version), "...thoughts are less than actions brought, and I am still NOTHING in common face."

more of GenIII

Again, click the hyperlink below the image to view the what I wrote in the post, plus comments.

It's weird going back to curves after years of doing my best to eliminate them, and it's a challenge to use someone else's design language to make a vehicle appealing and distinctively Tesla while possessing its own personality, but this project is important for my portfolio.  With practice I expect to produce sketches worthy of being presented to the company.  Meanwhile I will continue to record my progress, here and on Google Plus.

Stay crunchy.

filsmyth

August 17, 2013

o_0

_____

LOSING MY AMATEUR STATUS?

In June and July 2013 I became inspired...

At the beginning of June I manipulated an image of a Tesla Model X, turning it into a ute-style pickup.  Thought it would be cool if they did something like that, but it isn't exactly an original idea, so I didn't think too much of it...

...Until later, after I came up with another couple of concepts for Tesla Motors that I thought were valid.  I did more image manipulations, and started sketching again.  The XT spawned the XTX, a 5-seater with falcon-wing doors...

I began to think that I would actually really like to work with Tesla Motors, which, as I look back, appears to be an unprecedented feeling.  In the 30+ years that I've been conceiving and drawing vehicles, there has never been a single manufacturer that has so captured my attention.

Basically I've always wanted to build cars of my own design, and not for anyone else, because there has always been an huge gap between concept and production, too much getting changed along the way.  The dream was (and still is) to have my own company, and so be free to dream up and build whatever I wanted.

How much closer am I to that dream than I was 30 years ago?

I've incorporated Tellurian Motors into a novel, along with a few other daydreams, but since the novel is still only in my head it's really no more than an elaborate daydream itself...

SO NOW HERE'S THE QUESTION:

Am I good enough at automotive design to become a professional?  More to the point, will Tesla Motors give me a chance to show what I can do?

At the beginning of 2009 (while I was still running Window$) I had an evaluation copy of a CAD program, and was in the middle of a project when the trial period ran out, just as I was getting the hang of it.  Soon after that I began using LINUX exclusively, and have not been able to find CAD software for LINUX that will work with my somewhat dated hardware.  I'm willing to switch to something from Apple and even PAY for software, itching to get back into 3D-CAD.

Meanwhile it seems pencil sketches will be the best medium in which to display my design talent, so I will continue with them.

Here's one I did yesterday:

If you search this blog you'll find posts on the Deora III from 2009.  I started sketching it again the recently after realizing Tesla's GenIV platform would suit this vehicle perfectly...

...Apparently trucks are next, after GenIII.

These images and more can be found in my Concepts album on g+, along with feature descriptions.  Often things get explained in more detail within comments on my posts.

I'm sort of building a portfolio, so expect the album to keep growing.

At some point, probably very soon, I'll have to go ahead and start sketching the GenIII car.  Franz von Holzhausen should already have a clear direction to follow for its design, and previously I had a wait-and-see attitude about this model, but showing what I can do with it may be the best way to get Tesla Motors' attention.

Wish me luck.

o_o