Without a nudge from an art teacher, a visit to an art school or just plain luck, some of the world’s top automotive designers may never have made their mark on history.
Launched in 2013, the FCA US Product Design Office created its Drive for Design contest as an innovative way to educate young artists about careers in automotive design. Starting locally in Detroit, Drive for Design has grown to become a national contest that awards talented students with prizes and unique opportunities to further develop their design skills.
Mark Trostle, Head of Performance, Passenger Car and Utility Vehicle Design for FCA – North America, wants to change that. Seven years ago, he revived a contest he won as a high school student that helped drive him to where he is today, leading the design efforts for some of the most desired vehicles on the road.
The 2019 Drive for Design contest challenges U.S. high school students in grades 10-12 to design the ultimate status vehicle using any FCA brand. Just like in the professional world, there is a level of urgency – entries are due by April 27, 2019. Three students will be named winners from all valid entries received.
“Today’s automotive designers not only sketch cars, they create some of the most advanced user experience systems available, work with 3D technology, research color trends and create interior spaces that are multifunctional and beautiful,” said Trostle. “As the field of automotive design grows, it’s vital that we increase awareness and educate students and parents about the good-paying opportunities available. Many of today’s designers had no idea that automotive design could be a career option and we want to change that.”
Three winners receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the FCA US Product Design studios in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with leading automotive designers.
The winners also receive a scholarship to attend the Precollege Summer Experience Transportation Design program at College for Creative Studies, a leading art and design college in Detroit. The summer program curriculum includes the fundamentals of gestural sketching, perspective for both interior and exterior automotive concepts and how to translate designs into 3D models.
The FCA US Product Design Office is again partnering with EyesOn Design, which focuses on the automotive community and students coming together to commemorate, reflect and appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of classic and modern vehicle design. Drive for Design winners receive their awards on Friday, June 14 at EyesOn Design’s “Vision Honored” Black Tie and Silent Auction and will serve as junior judges at the prestigious EyesOn Design Car Show, held every Father’s Day weekend at the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
For detailed contest rules and information on how to submit sketches, visit www.FCAdrivefordesign.com. Students and parents can also follow the FCA North America social channels for regular posts to educate and inform followers about careers in automotive design. Weekly updates will be posted on the Drive for Design Facebook page, the FCA US Facebook page, the FCA US Twitter and FCA US Instagram handles using the hashtag #DriveForDesign.
