Becoming A Professional Car Designer In 2021...

[@FrankStephensondesign]

I've received what feels like hundreds of comments and emails asking for my guidance on the best way to 'break into the automotive industry'. In this episode I have tried my best my to answer that question not only from my own experience but also from my perspective on the industry as a whole and the future of design in general.

[@eshanjadhav265]

I'm 15 years old and I want to be a car designer .So is there still scope that this industry will survive till I complete my education?

[@sukhmangat5544]

Can you make a video about how to get women?

[@EmirOzturk14.]

Thanks for this great content Frank.

[@amaandadan446]

My question is, is there really a chance of anyone getting recognition of a company online eg:instagram, facebook, linkedIN ?

[@andree220]

Funny, that you‘ve also come across the competition mind set during your design studies. I still remember the transportation design guys, who constantly sat together to take a look at the drawings of the others to copy or be better. I always found that strange. This only seems to be the case in automotive design, NOT in industrial design as there, a more collaborative approach is pursued and teached. I think the big boards can only be drilled collaboratively, if you know what I mean. Greetings from a freelance designer, therefore, I liked your last statement very much!

[@Thesketchmonkey]

“Before you surrender yourself to being an employee of a company, see what you can create for yourself.” Yes Sir! I'm so glad I went that route. Fantastic message Frank, I hope more people take it to heart. It's all there in today's world. It's available to you. As long as you're willing to put in the work.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers man! 👍

[@sangrampatil3215]

Hey i Watch you redesigns too on your channel great work!

[@andrzejnowak863]

I watch and appreciate both channels. Maybe you'd be interested in a crossover and doing something interesting together. Like trying to redesign the same car or discussing a design you might have opposite opinion on. Anyway best wishes to both of you.

[@mikf2500]

I remember as a student, we didn’t have these resources (like the sketch Monkey and Frank and many others videos.). Its a great time to get inspired by accomplished professionals and go for our dreams and create beautiful forms!

[@samargupta4624]

My dream is to design and build a kit car someday for the Indian market. Something that will be eye catching like the lancia stratos Zero concept and perfect to take your fellow companion in.

[@stuartlancaster7817]

I worked with Frank at The Rover Group in the mid to late 90s. We were both based in the design studio. I was the surface engineer working in ICEMsurf translating his designs into CAD. I was straight from university. I can honestly say he is the most approachable and charismatic car designer I have met met in my 25 years working for OEMs. I even have the thank you card you sent me written on a postcard of the Mk1 BMW mini concept. I’d guess that you won’t remember me but I’ll never forget you. Great videos Frank!

[@Subreon]

do you think it'd be possible that he'd want to work for my game company to design hundreds of all types of vehicles and a large variety of customization parts to go with them? frank seems to have an amazing grasp on every type of vehicle design from past to present to future and i'd love to have him be my lead vehicle designer. (i'm scared to see how large his paycheck would have to be haha. but i'll happily pay whatever it takes)

[@simdane5898]

In the age of information, it's all about getting the right information. And that's the one Frank is dropping, not even asking for anything in return except for us to reflect a bit. Only love for this channel, I hope it keeps growing.

[@lennartstip6395]

odd to see you here XD

[@_lbr_6314]

@@lennartstip6395 right?

[@sitranine8369]

This is real. Every professional needs to hear this.

[@aaronjaggan]

This is inspiring to the hobbies I naturally have. It can be applied to anything . It makes me want to push harder and harder.Thanks.

[@federicoluciano3667]

I love designing objects and furniture, sketching cars, and sometimes I dream that the sketches could become real someday and I could touch them with my bare hands, that’s the reason why, I will keep going on, and I’ll reach my goal.

[@tinydiccbandito4953]

try making prototypes and perfecting them.

[@micahwhite7484]

Agreed with Bandito: put the time into learning the crafting methods to make your own designs. You'll get there if you keep putting in the effort and pushing your abilities!

[@monopolybillionaire5027]

​@@tinydiccbandito4953 I want to make my own clay model never done it before any recommendations?

[@abdelalibouachmir]

Same like you but can reach that goal without going college ??

[@theJenkisushi]

im not even going to lie, this video made me re-question things i have been doing. I really wanted to go to art center, and for the past few years i have been trying hard with the portfolio. I have been rejected twice, but still working on there, because I want to be a car designer, and at the best school there is. This video really makes me question do i need to go there anymore to be a designer.

[@jkl3448]

Understand you completely but then please show some of your work in a link for example.

[@anvilgames2421]

Coming from someone that took three failed applications to get into a good design school, trust me it's worth it in the end. As frank said, the competition is HUGELY beneficial and is still very high today

[@Real_MisterSir]

I was rejected once from my first university (Industrial Design in Denmark), I reapplied and got in. Then after 2 years I realized it didn't lead me where I wanted, so I went another few years figuring out where I actually wanted to go in life. Now I'm finishing my transportation design thesis at a Design university in Italy. You never know where you end up, but as long as you don't give up you are going to end up somewhere sooner or later :)

[@itaresam]

I also tried to get into design university and got rejected twice. Maybe I didn't try hard enough or I'm just not fit to be designer... So just recently I ended up choosing to study mechanical engineering. Not that I gave up on wanting to designer but to get proper education on product design and physics so that maybe I would have wider understanding on what would be a good design. Well.. Time will tell.

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@itaresam what I've come to understand, is that most of the design schools evaluate application portfolios (and potential entry exams) from some key points: 1. Your approach to a project (observing potential problems and scenarios, analyzing them, creating a project brief off of those observations) 2. How you explore ideas and potential concept directions (do you arrive very quickly to a main idea, or do you have variety in your potential choices? Just showing a very quick ideation stage or simply just the end product is never a good idea. Unlike math and physics, design never has a singular straight answer. For that reason you need to show how and why you came to your final result -the process is just as important as the conclusion) 3. How do you develop your initial idea(s) (How do you go from your initial idea/thoughts, through a developing stage, before arriving at a more finalized product where end result is a clear result of your continuous analysis of your project brief, and showing your reasons for doing certain changes along the way) 4. How you visualize your ideas (sketching, painting, 3d and computer software, physical models, etc. there is no limit to how you visualize. The important thing is just that you make a conscious attempt at sharing as many of your thoughts as possible through whatever medium you're able to use. It can be paper models, clay, heck build it in Minecraft if nothing else works. The school is there to teach you what you lack, and I've seen countless people with zero drawing ability be enrolled to design schools -although the required minimum drawing level may depend on the school you apply to). 5. How you present your projects (are they easy to understand, well summarized, is there a good flow from beginning to end?) 6. Variety in projects you present in your portfolio (show your diversity and originality, and how you approach problems in multiple fields) These are the main key factors for most university design schools, seen from personal experience as well as knowing multiple people studying at design schools all over the world (Sweden, Germany, UK, Italy, Denmark, and more).

[@naphtaligoodenough2947]

I am pursuing a career in automotive design simply because I love to bring beautiful things to life. The idea of being payed, to do what I love more than anything, is a dream.

[@DNPLong]

Thank you for a great video. It inspired me a lot. Now I'm 28 and I have been working as a 3D modeler for nearly 6 years for a Japanese Company in Car industry. Car designer is my dream job. I'm Vietnamese and there is no Automotive Design School in Vietnam and I wasn't able to go to learn abroad in a Design school so I chose the way that led me to 3D Modeler as current time. I thought 3D Modeler is a good alternative for Car designer because it allows me work with professional designer closely but now I realize that I've torched my self. Now I'm trying my best grinding my self for skills that a professional designer needs and hope that it is not too late for me to have a chance to break in to Car design industry. I'm looking forward for your next videos. Best wishes for you and good luck for me. :)

[@haodo9449]

After watching this episode Greater me got more motive and more respect Frank's works Lesser me want the rocket lava lamp,x-wing, hulk buster armor, cap'murica shield and that ferrari models

[@JoseGonzalez-xd7gm]

Frank i didn´t knew u lived on spain, i love ur videos, Sigue haciendo tus excelentes videos frank!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Gracias José. Soy más español que otra cosa.

[@minoassal]

I took a moment to think about this and my answer to "why do you want to be a car designer?" is probably the same as that of Batista "pinin" Farina: to leave a mark, a legacy, something that i could be associated with for decades to come, maybe one day there will be chats, forums or podcasts or even documentaries about Amine "Mino" Assal's designs, just something i could be remembered with. perhaps that's what we all want in the glimpse of time we have on this earth.

[@keyvanbale6809]

today I realized that definitely Angles are exist. Thank you Mr. Frank for your advices.

[@joepvanheesch2865]

I study architecture in Delft and I recognize the statements made in this video. With so many great names around you and people working alongside you you’re pushed to try your very best

[@khaleelabdul7639]

Hi Frank. I’m a first term student at the Art Center for Transportation Design and I want to thank you for that inspirational video. The competition is very intense and just watching this video makes me want to work even harder.

[@zayhansdah]

I'm already involved in a startup company, I don't have any design background degree, coming from such circumstances, I always try to get constructive feedbacks so I can understand where I would stand among other professionals and how can I improve myself. In doing so, I also sent a few of my works to you looking for feedback on how am I doing. By this point, one of my design is in prototype stage while there is another project where I've designed a custom car for a planned movie. Those are the projects which are not mine but I'm part of it, my projects include a little bit of Animation/VFX, 3D Art, Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Music.

[@NANAnitrotype]

These videos are always interesting and professional!

[@gurmeharbajwa6020]

Frank, I want to thank you for making this video. Currently, I’m in my final year of high school. I have applied to (and am applying) several universities with an emphasis in design. I would say your advice here really helps and makes a lot of sense!

[@MxC07]

Did you maded it? I hope you have made it because I'm trying to do that too.

[@XenonsDesign]

Hey, how is it going ?!

[@gurmeharbajwa6020]

@@MxC07 Yeah, made it to ArtCenter. I started last fall, took a year of their portfolio prep classes and never looked back.

[@PersonManManManMan]

The message really opens up the question of what is the real goal of a designer and creator and not just to limit himself to one area, but instead look beyond that, what mark, what impact he wants to leave, what would be his contribution, and then the field will find him, and also is he up to par to go for it, both attitude wise and also by work gradually improving and learning, mastering techniques.

[@vadominiqueenpunkt6589]

Thank you Frank for touching this part. Honestly I was dreaming to design whatever came between my eyes and the real world. I wanted to be acknowledged by my friends, by my parents (kind of - you have done well, we are proud of you) and also by people I didnt know. It was about contributing, submit something that people will remember eventually, also approval. Leave something behind. Leave something behind that is beautiful. Nature is beautiful, perfect. I also wanted to create something beautiful, something perfect. Perfection that i knew I couldnt achieve. I have been trough that very same stage, when you start become submissive to those who are superior to you. That moment you want to follow your master until you surpassed him and than look out for the next master. Pride played a big role too, to go through a concrete wall, even you recieved a clear no. Head strong, power of will, submissiveness and a tiny bit of Pride/Confidence -thats how i would describe it the best. Competition boosted the firelike will, like (lets see what I got up in my sleeves, maybe i can even surprise myself) I was carrying around my art portfolio almost daily. Whenever i found an opportunity to draw (portraits, stills, or landscapes) i just did it. Even in during classes...Eventually I gave up to be a product designer, the older i got, but .....For some reason .... and that is no exaggeration... I ended up being a car designer... without having studied car design. It wasnt a certificate that lead the way for me. It wasnt my technical skills (i actually pretty bad in free hand perspective), ..... it was simply my reputation that I always delivered what I said, i gonna do. Even it would have meant to pull the moon down to earth. Much coffee and much energy drinks throughout the years were thr main "contributers" to my success. I am not sure if it makes sense for someone else, what I am commenting here. Its chaotic but that chaotic made me. Maybe you might understand Frank ;)

[@SylroeFranklin-j7n]

I love designing cars and have bold new ideas.. I have tried before to enter the industry but didn’t go to school.. I feel you are talking directly to me 😳

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Go for it!

[@5kindin]

This has nothing to do with this entire video. But. Where can I get one of those lavalamps?

[@muhammadadam8105]

So,i just google "rocket ship lava lamp"and find this: www.mathmos.com/mathmos-telstar-rocket-shaped-lava-lamp-3021-0.html#blue-green Hope that helps

I want one too, haha

[@_chenn]

Looks like a Mathmos Telstar rocket lava lamp

[@5kindin]

@@_chenn thanks man I'll have a look online

[@_chenn]

@@5kindin I could be wrong but they certainly look similar

[@hmdmbrz]

Thank you for the insight. I am looking forward to continuing my design journey with your videos.

[@AutomotiveCNC]

As a kid I wanted to see, touch and drive my own sports cars. This is why I decided to teach myself on how to design and engineer cars. It's easy and everyone could do it, as long as you are passionate on what you want to accomplish and devote your time to practice and improve yourself.

[@ivyrubio1849]

I'm 14 years old but I already know that I want to be a Professional Car Designer. My reason is I grew up around my stepdad and my brothers and the mechanic shop they work at. My mom use to pick me up from school and dropped me off at my step dads shop since babysitting was too expensive and my mom doesn't really trust people. I would admire the cars and the design of them. I would try to draw them, but it really never looked right. I love ur videos by the way .

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you Ivy! Keep pushing! 💥👍

[@ACRemote-z8x]

I love design because it is the best, most elegant combination of art and science. Automotive design, specifically, is so intriguing because the experience is so rich and multi-faceted. The sight of the vehicle as it whizzes past, its stance when it is standing still, the sound it makes, the way the lights flicker, the personality of the headlights- everything about it. I had loved these as a kid, but along the years of education had perhaps lost the creative inclination, but maintained the technical one (I graduated with a Physics degree). Y otras cosas tambien. Vivi en espana para aprender la cultura y la idioma, y supe que compartes esa parte conmigo tambien desde tu documentary. Pero al final, quiero darte mi gracias para dejarme reconocer el amor que tenia siempre -- la de disenar y crear.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Es un placer, gracias!

[@alexloften7825]

Why I want to break into the automotive design industry is to be able to see my own designs out on the street, and think "I´ve designed that" That would make me so proud and happy

[@moimon4074]

I began my journey as a videogame 3D asset creator and due to some funny plot twist in my life end up working on the oportunity of my lifetime designing a sport car from a new brand with an amazing team of engenieers. I cannot thank you enough for this video Mr Frank!

[@sibasish_sa]

Sir l am 19 my family can't afford design school but I am passionate about designing cars l want some guidance from you please

[@delta_13]

Next year I'm going to study transportation design, because to me its the perfect mix between my two biggest passions, cars and art. Hopefully some day I'll be the one here talking about how amazing my career and peers were and trying to inspire the young ones.

[@Isaac862]

I was thinking about this with new tech like 3D printing AI and generative design who’s to say we won’t see a complete reversal with consumers buying or leasing chassis and custom making a unique body through other means, almost back full circle to the days of coach building.

[@fernandezadrian6357]

I aspire to become an Automotive designer because I want to bring hope, hope of a better, cleaner, efficient future were the latest technologies may be in reach for the car I tried that need it the most, hoping to bring better, safer transportation to those who need it. I would love to be part of that masterclass, great video!

[@JoseLuisAmat93]

Great video Frank, I can totally relate to some of your advice and I believe it's very useful specially to the young people aspiring to become professional creators. To prove the point I'm an Aerodynamics Designer in Formula 1 and made it there by designing a my own F1 car (I even followed the FIA refulations to keep it realistic). I was tired of being rejected for "not having enough work experience" so I figured it was the way to prove I had the skills and the attitude for the job.

[@CarDesignTechniques]

Valuable points indeed. I feel like some of the points brought out in this video were speaking to me. The challenges that I have faced in this industry has only motivated me to keep going!

[@hyagocalisto1262]

just a video suggestion, it would be nice for you to analyze the design of some diecast cars, like Hot Wheels which makes some miniatures with its own design like Prototype H24, Syncro, Krazy 8's, Slingshot, etc.

[@EmihleSibiya_144]

I've been drawing and sketching cars since I was 6 years old and I still do that today , I'm 12 years old and live in South Africa , my dream is to design cars for Porsche like the 911.

[@Jdmbro9000]

SR. IM A Marine veteran who got a chance to go to the Academy of Art in San Francisco for a semester and I was so proud of myself for getting a chance to go. I wish I could’ve finished but I was like five years from drawing. I kind of took a break and so when I went to school, I was just like picking up a pencil again and my sketches were still kind of crappy but since then I’ve continued to pursue this and I still draw this day and I’m getting better and better and my dream is always to work either for a design firm like Audi or Porsche or Subaru or Nissan, getting a chance to design cars for any company was still part of the dream and it’s not even about the money or the penny pushing or any of it. It’s just the passion of cars in general that has my fire and always has and so hopefully in my future, I can see that happen or at least I can get out of your Porsche or maybe Subaru or Nissan to at least talk to me because It’s far in my blood I eat sleep dream it like Gordon Murray is on of my favorite designers

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Very cool Jdr and great to hear and feel your passion for car design. If you want to improve your sketching and design abilities, check this out: swf.frankstephenson.com . Also, Gordon Murray is an incredible engineer. He outsourced the design work on the McLaren F1 to Peter Stevens and the T.50 and T.33 are designed by his in-house design team. Engineers create the mechanical dynamics of a car and designers create the aesthetical looks of a car.

[@Jdmbro9000]

@@FrankStephensondesign thank you so much Frank for your insight and your response. I’m also very interested in engineering side or at least how cars handle I’m really really good at Forza and granturismo 7 and I drive like the wind and that’s my other passion on the side of design if I had a chance to get in the door, with either side of that would be amazing, especially just having that passion for cars in general, to sit there, and speak to engineers and designers alike of my opinion in my input and what I like and don’t like, because I think my opinion matters. and I’m grateful for your response. Thank you.

[@JotaBR01]

Incredible video Frank, honestly, makes me a lot more comfortable about my future inside the design industry

[@tinydiccbandito4953]

I've just finished my first semester in industrial design. Quite an inspiring video you got here. I chose this course strictly to perfect my designing skills with a vision of becoming a true modern day coach builder that could eventually become it's own car manufacturer. I won't say too much about how I want it to be as this industry is rather competitive and I wouldn't like to see someone doing what I intented to by the time I get there. I'm confident it will be a succes and that my dream will come true. You pretty much ensured me to follow my vision so huge thanks for that. Sidenote: I still strongly disagree with your opinion about cybertruck, it sure is breaking conventions and that is the beauty of it. Looking at it from a rookie designer's perspective it may not be the best design when it comes to it's form, it may not fullfill all the "requirements" of good design, it's not inviting and relaxing inside (apparently that is what todays people want in their stressfull lives) but modern houses aren't either with white walls, bland furniture and marble floors. It's not the purpose of this car to be inviting, it's purpose is to be exciting, different, one of a kind. I can't think of a sitution when someone sees it on the street and doesn't think: "holy shit, that thing is nuts". It's not in fashion so it won't ever be out of it. Removing a headphone jack isn't courage, designing a car that looks like this IS. I think what they created is something worthy of what Roberto Giolito did with multipla. No matter how ugly this car was it was breaking conventions aswell while incorporating great practicality. I'm not saying they did the same thing but equally as significant and (again) courageous. This "sidenote" wasn't meant to be as long as it is but seems like I have a lot to say about this car. I understand what you said in your video and most of the statements you made about this vehicle in my eyes are true. I just have a completely different feeling about it's purpose and wether the design decisions which were made were right. Again thanks for all the work put into making your videos.

[@california.7476]

Hello my friend, I am a car mechanic and I have experience in all cars. He knows the advantages of good cars in design, as well as engineering, and good and bad engines, as I suppose that 40/100 of the cars that exist now are not practical enough and I know where the problem lies. Happy to cooperate with an ambitious person

[@LNA881]

I love your work, thanks for inspiring me and many others around the world. Nader A.

[@anzldesigns4023]

I have been drawing cars since I was very young. But it wasn't untill 3 years ago that I realized that I can earn a living by designing cars. Since then, I started learning sketching, rendering and now, 3d modeling with the help of youtube videos and I am proud with the progress I made. I just can't think of being anything other than a car designer. There's something I really love about it. And I am still working hard to find it out and to improve my self. This year, i really want to learn more and improve my skills and I am working hard towards it. I am well motivated and I hope I can achieve my dream one day🙃.

[@gabrielaires4028]

That's amazing! Not just empty motivational speech. I'm thankfull for those 12:25mins.

[@iamedd.thecooperguy]

Amazing again Frank, priceless tips here and also a great value by sharing your experience stories. Once again, my respects🙏🏻

[@Mint_Egg]

This video is so motivational. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this channel!

[@steverichmond3359]

In 30 years, I imagine new materials and manufacturing processes will enable designs we would have trouble imagining today. Every car could be unique.

[@micahwhite7484]

One of the concepts that has driven my life and career has been the potential resurrection of the coachbuilding trade, via advanced technologies, rekindled appreciation of craftsmanship, and the advent of modular vehicle platforms

[@nathansun7164]

Wonderful. Remarkable advice and steadfast guidance in a changing world.

[@livingthedream0527]

Applies to most design disciplines. Very inspiring video.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

That was an inspirational, and a very generous video - I wish that it had been around 30 years ago when I started studying industrial design! I entered design education wanting to be a car designer - my hero was, and still is Giugiaro - but, as I progressed with my industrial design education, I enjoyed the process of designing products so much that I changed my focus. (And to be honest, I felt that I would never be able to top the work of Pininfarina, Bertone, ItalDesign - all of the Italian design houses I had so admired the work of). Interesting to note that many of the great 1960s and 70s car designers came to the discipline from other subjects - fine art, sculpture and architecture. Maybe if I’d stuck to my guns I’d have ended up designing cars! Thanks for this though, I agree that car design has got so uniform, that we really do need a new Giugiaro, Sottsass, Towns, Bangle........or a Stephenson!

[@bismarck6]

Car design was the passion of my life, it was the one and only option in ly head but things have changed and I'm becoming a dentist now, sometimes I design a car or two, all my paper sheets have random sketches in them.

[@kartikdube2852]

This video is gold.

[@LucianoBove]

Well said Frank, bravo!

[@panoseconomou5109]

You are such a great dashinger and i hope that I will dishing great things like you, the future is in our hands and ideas

[@styloyt]

10:50 I hope you’re talking about making a masterclass with *the* Masterclass. I’d love to watch it.

[@sleepinggrandad]

Young frank looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger

[@juana9795]

You are amazing! Love your videos and designs!!! Saludos👋

[@dominiccinimod5686]

I love this channel

[@jimjohngirard]

My first job out of college was as a junior designer at Chrysler when it was located in Highland Park, MI. I was placed into the international design studio, working for Bob Hubbach, the designer of the first Dodge Viper. It was back in 1973 and Hal Pilkey was the Studio Chief, and Bill Dayton was the Division Chief. I learned a lot in this studio. On my first day, Hal took me out to lunch at a popular greasy spoon on Woodward Ave. called The Pretzel Bowl. During lunch, Hal looked at me and he said, "Listen up kid, do this and you'll do well in this business....."Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you'll meet 'em on the way down." I never forgot that. While we were eating, a gentleman walked into the restaurant and Hall flagged him over to our table. Hal introduced me, and then they started talking about their days when they were near my age at Auburn, Cord and Duesenburg. The guy that Hal had introduced me to was none other than Gordon Buehrig himself....I was, as they say, Gobsmacked. I worked in exterior studios mainly, but then transferred to interior studios in the Walter P. Chrysler building. I did well at Chrysler, but, unlike many of the other designers, I just didn't have "gasoline" in my veins... I left the industry and moved west and started in the fledgling High Tech industry at Hewlett Packard. My career there was fantastic and I entered early into the new technology of computer aided design and 3d modeling in 1987. I became a HP Intrapaneur....and traveled to many HP sites world wide to design on many strategic products....it was a great move for me. I finished the last 20 years in my design career self employed and it was a blast. My undergraduate school was at the Cleveland Institute of Art, then a Masters Degree at the University of Michigan, sponsored by Chrysler, and I also graduated from Art Center with a Masters Degree in New Media in 1998...... tough program for sure. Thanks for your words of wisdom to up and coming Auto designers....the business has changed so much, as AI is entering the mix. Markers, Pastels, Prisma Color Pencils seem so yesterday now. I've become proficient on Vizcom, Chat GPT and MidJourney....incredible results. Sorry I got long winded, but I sure did enjoy this podcast....thanks again.

[@sibasish_sa]

I am a teenager i want to work in automotive design but I don't have money for design school now I am doing computer science.l want to ask can I get freelance work if I don't have a design in car design and work after my job

[@Nick-Milan]

I am very inspired in you channel lately🤩🤍🤍🔥. I am a 17-year-old and I am in the 5th form of a school for pre-university education and I live in the Netherlands and I am still thinking on what I want to do as a study or job. My mom tells me to be a doctor or lawyer but I don’t really think that such a job will interest me (in my eyes it seems boring). I have ADD and my drawing teacher on my school thinks I am very creative and he really wanted me to choose his subject so I can get more experience and I really enjoy that! I also really like to make music and be creative in my own way. I don’t know if it is because I have ADD that I really enjoy to go past my limits or something else lol. Anyway because I have ADD it is really hard for me to concentrate on things I am not interested in, so I think it is needed for me to find a job with many creative ways I can follow (such as a car designer, because I love to draw, and especially cars lol). 😅😁

[@TradeMarcmultimedia]

The self awareness comment is on point and crucial. The biggest problem for people is accepting their shortcomings and making a concerted effort to improve it. Criticising my work is something i do after every single project, large or small. The more it hurts, the more ground there is to be made up. Salute and keep the content coming

[@FreekHoekstra]

Love Syd Mead, had the privilege to see some of his paintings at Siggraph, just before he died, and they are unreal. Screens don’t even do it justice. I had heard if him before but never really looked, but its incredible.

[@karlsonos2163]

Thank you Frank! Loved this video

[@giannisdiamantopoulos2747]

You said to write you why... So I wanna become a car designer cause I draw and design cars since I remember my self, cars is my passion my hole life actually, cars have created my identity and my personality which I am proud of... I want to became an automotive designer more than everything and this is my plan and target... I am 17 years old and I will finish high school this summer and will apply at the HS Pforzheim university of arts or I may try also IED in Italy and I had the chance to even met a car designer with amazing experience and CV to have some guidance... Could you plz do a video, a tutorial on how to design cars from many angles, with different techniques just with a black bic pen and a piece of paper!?? 🙏🙏 This video had been one of the most inspiring video I have ever seen and thank you for sharing your advices with us!!!

[@PhanTimo01]

This journey sounds so similar to the journey of a software developer or in my case a web developer. Great advice Frank 👍. I see a little of myself in your journey 👍

[@aisfly]

Build it and they will come...how truth

[@sjoerdjonker6372]

A professional artist does not need to make great designs. He/she needs to make great designs all the time and perfecting it all the time.

[@fourthdalisay2542]

Thank you Sir!

[@22zainmuqri30]

This is one video,I saw with my eyeballs stuck to the screen. Why? Because I feel that within me is the urge to chase the perfect, and I will keep striving until I can satisfy my thirst to be perfect, Sir I would be honored if I would be awarded by you on my achievements, I will pack my bag to go to design university soon.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Zain and best of luck for your future in design! 👍

[@22zainmuqri30]

@@FrankStephensondesign thank you so much sir 😊

[@diegog.5315]

Funny how I was watching this while doing my Artcenter homework 😂

[@markdc1145]

🤣

[@theangelking96]

I don’t the talent for design, I can’t even draw, but I sure enjoy listening to brilliant people talking and gaining knowledge, hopefully we can meet up one day sir on whiskey of your choice😉 Thank you for yet another amazing video

[@juanmanuelcascaron9133]

I always wanted to follow the Automotive Design path, but I got the same thought your teacher said to you, about the fact that very few people get to the finish line with a clear future in automotive design, so I got scared and jumped into a safer, but still quite hard, path: Mechanical Engineering. As of today, I'm two years away (aprox) from graduation, and sometimes I regret choosing this way, and not experiencing what's on the other side, as it's been like most people following you, a childhood dream to design cars. Still, I'm happy with the desitions I took, and I look forward to maybe someday, aproach the automotive desing industry from an engineer point of view. Thanks for these tips Frank, I'll keep them close to mind. I also be waiting for your design masterclass!

[@devchaphekar]

I too am pursuing mechanical engineering right now... I will be 22 at graduation and will mostly look for a work experience job for about a year and then leave for Germany to try and get admission in a design University there..

[@franciscoafonso4992]

You both try to get a master in transportation design right away. I did just that, went into mech engineering because there was no such thing as product design in my country, then just ended up frustrated with the work I got later in life. It can pay ok(ish) but there's not much space for creative flair in it

[@tanguy3163]

You’re the great masterpiece of design

[@Zoleeka52]

I'm a graphic designer and this applies just as much to me. Or any other creative endeavour. Or any endeavour in fact. (Reaching sg and realising that's not the end and the points about why and what you want to do). Thanks!

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

I love the process of design, and am very creative... wish I had gone into design!

[@l3v4rt]

Up to a point all I wanted was to be a car designer but due to health and socio-economic reasons I was forced to put that aside as I could only dream of going abroad to study car design. I went down the route of mechanical design and then product design. I have worked as a mule and during the second year of masters got my shot at contributing to an actual vehicle design of a real company. I am really gratefull and currently working on a design proposal as part of my master thesis. It's not Mazda, Opel, Volvo, Ford or anything fancy as I have dreamed but it is close enough to call a success. I love the design and development process, I feel this is my purpose. Thank you for a wonderful video mr. Stephenson, really inspiring.

[@someoneyoudontknow4920]

I am currently studying Aeronautical Enegeering to learn about aerodynamic and other things. When i can choose my minor, i will go toward the designing part of the education. My dream is to create my own cars with designs i made my self, but to get there i will first have to get some experience by working at other company's. Learning from a Professional is something that will be extremely helpful and will help me achieve my dream. I am really happy that i found this channel and i hope i can learn a lot from you!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Someone You Don't Know Good luck. I am finishing my career in aerospace. I have a creative side to me which has been invaluable. I could see the difference between my ideas and solutions versus those without this side.

[@3xteban]

Frank! Thank you so much for this words! I've been wanting to be a car designer since I was 7 years old and never had the opportunity I've been drawing cars and surrounded by cars since I was very young, I'm in a predicament I moved from Venezuela 7 years ago to the US and I don't know where to start I currently work as a sales representative for a jeep chrysler dodge dealer and I would love to know where should I go from here! I took the iniciative to learn blender so I can picture my ideas on renders but I never quit drawing and making concepts! I have a deep rooted passion for porsche and I currently own a 928 and a 944 which I admire a lot and as a personal project I want to bring these cars to the modern era kind of like singer design!, I would love to get an imput from you or guidance of how to get into designing! I would love to be part of your class! Best regards!

[@CarDaddy24]

I want to do something I'm passionate about .. something I enjoy in life as a career...I have always been artistic... Now being unemployed I am trying to find a way to get a career in something I love...

[@tomislavcorak2170]

There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation. This is a great quote, and whenever I create something, I find it very fulfilling. Considering OEMs and design, I can't wait for more 'tech' manufacturers to kick in! I have this wish (idea) about simple modular EV platform that will have same chassis and customers will choose their own body design and interior. Tech companies an new manufacturing techniques could make this happen. Influencers will be first customers :)

[@pjg8915]

Thank you for all the inputs and tips you gave in this video. I as a 15 year old teenager have always admired cars, because they're for me a special species between a living being and a machine, with their own voices, faces and personalities. That is also one of the reasons I always wanted to become a car designer, because a car's shape and appearance is one of the first things that makes you truly fall in love with it. I can remember spotting a (back then) brand new 2010 Maserati Quattroporte sport gts in black as a 5 year old boy at the Bismarkstraße, a very wide and one of the most used roads in Berlin, whilst I was doing some shopping with my family. And I just couldn't stop looking at it. It's beautiful shape with it's neutral but still elegant face and it's truly elegant but slightly sporty appearance just captured my heart. And because I also always liked painting and drawing cars, and people told me that they liked my pictures, I decided that I wanted to be a car designer. The introduction of the new, distasteful, disgusting and disappointing BMW kidneys pushed my wish of becoming a car designer even further. Since then, I know that something needs to be done to prevent the loss of traditional design language of different car brands (such as BMW). But thanks to you @Frank Stephenson, I know what I have to look out for and what I have to keep in mind. And for this you get my biggest thank!

[@moretolife1866]

How do you reach to a level where you want to start your own company ( that sells cars)?, Like what is the most important first step that would maybe be considered as a common step?

[@ToyWarrior768]

Hey Frank, I am 17 and l aspire to be a designer like you are and be able to design some fantastic cars but I live in India and everyone here are running behind conventional careers like medical or bureaucracy or corporate. I really don't wanna do that but I don't know how to get in to design either

[@FrankStephensondesign]

I see. How do the other people get into medical, bureaucracy and corporate careers?

[@howardlake6178]

Loving these videos and your quest to share your knowledge and expertise. I'm a bit old at nearly 49 to become a designer now, but it is what I wanted to do as a child. I've done my third 3D drawing now, and cheat a bit with a pencil and rubber, but I am amazed I can do this...

[@mark-qi6di]

Great insight!

[@karson1214]

I love design because I love drawing. I've drawn cars for years and have always been fascinated by how they look. I'm currently studying the third year of product design, and through that I have experienced challenges that give me the opportunity to become aware of my shortcomings such as having limited innovation and creativity, as well as not being good at digital work. I actively try to improve and better equip myself so that I can become a better designer. I suppose I am not super ambitious but I do hope that I can share my vision and ideas with the world through products I create or help create.

[@saminneslive]

im 20 from England I started a degree doing mechanical and aerospace engineering, i have always had a creative flair its my default setting. I have decided to switch to Automotive and Transport Design or Industrial Design.

[@SatongiFilms]

8:40 wow.. that car you see on the screen is actually a mod for GTA I created inspired by Acura NSX and Autozam AZ1 combination (it has gullwing doors)... I'm so surprised to see it here after two years that the mod has been out. 8:48 thats another car I've helped making ZR350...

[@krishk322]

a really insightful and interesting video, and I'm not part of the automotive industry! your advice applies to a lot of young people out there who needs it. thank you!

[@luizarthurbrito]

Can you do a video on the design of car interiors

[@Real_MisterSir]

It's lovely, mr. Stephenson, that you want to hear our dreams and stories related to the automotive industry. It is an element that I certainly appreciate with modern technology and media, that great people like yourself are able and willing to connect with global audiences who would never even come close to such opportunities just 10 years ago. If anyone's curious, here's my personal story of how I pursue transportation design: I've always enjoyed imagining things and creating something that didn't already exist. It's my endless drive, I go every day and observe the world we live in - and I think to myself how I can see opportunities to change it or introduce new exciting elements we can interact with and find new ways of living that don't yet exist. I have a constant desire to challenge the world and make life more exciting, see things from a new perspective, and improve what's already here. I already had the idea of pursuing a career in car design when I entered high school - or just any design related job really (but my main passion was for cars so that was the obvious priority). Unfortunately I live in Denmark, where the car industry is pretty much non existent. So I considered the second best option at hand, which was to apply for an Industrial Design course at the Danish Royal Arts University (always fancy titles for these places). I didn't get accepted at my first attempt at applying, so I tried again a year later and got in. I enjoy industrial design in general, and the many philosophies tied to it. However, the teaching itself left me wanting more, there was too much focus on academic topics and soft values, and not enough focus on practical experience nor teaching/insight into various industries. I ended up dropping it, as it felt too much of a waste of time for me, so I thought to myself how far I'd have to go to actually get a real foothold in the automotive industry. I ended up looking at studying abroad, which led me to applying at a Transportation Design university in Italy where I currently am completing my final Thesis project. One of the biggest experiences of this process, has definitely been to travel and live in a foreign country with its independent culture and ways of working/approaching schooling. It's the complete opposite from the old school I came from, for better and worse. I think most of all it gave me perspective, helped me sort the good and less good experiences I carried with me from my first design school in Denmark, and helped make me realize what is actually important to me as a person, and where my values are in regards to being a professional designer and earning a living through this industry. Still, the thought of actually earning money for this kind of work still seems like a fairytale story to me, at least until I hopefully land my first internship/job opportunity. What has stood out the most to me, has definitely been my own focus on how I want to work as a designer in the future. It's still fundamentally the desire to create and dream of a future that for now exists in my mind, but could become reality tomorrow - and I believe that the fewer steps there are between having my ideas and actually realizing them, the happier I will be. I believe niche companies or a smaller studio will be to my liking, somewhere where I can have an impact and learn a lot along the way, hopefully work with a more tightly connected team of passionate people, rather than a large workforce where designers can easily be substituted. Let me put it like this: No matter who the designer is, the new Audi A6 is going to exist regardless. But a revival of McLaren? That only happens with very special and dedicated people behind. Doesn't really matter with the scale of the brand or it's overall importance and value. As long as my thoughts are not replaceable, then I will work like no one else could. If you read this far, you're crazy and I like you! Enjoy your day fellow internet user :)

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Keep pushing Mister...with that drive and passion you’ll definitely get there...keep your foot on the accelerator. 👍🚀

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@FrankStephensondesign Thank you for the encouragement! Already looking forward to your next video upload, they're a treat.

[@TheLastPrime]

You should review the cars from Rocket League

[@johnferraz6417]

Your advice is real. Thank you sincerely. With the tools and technology that are available to young designers today...the options for entry into the field, are infinite. However, one must be willing put in the long hours to achieve excellence...there is no shortcut to understanding design through intentionly acquired skill sets and solid research. 'Journey as Place...Becoming as End'...is a statement that evolved during the course of my own enquiry...it remains as a personal guide to this day. Still very much involved and curious about 'transpod' options and the actual Process of Design specifically, I agree that future innovations in car design is likely to come from left field. 'Retired' Architect.

[@jimkirk989]

Yes To Get PAID For Doing Something You LOVE Is Great, But TO LEAVE A LEGACY Is What I TRULY DESIRE!!! Fame & Fortune Are Always FLEETING, But LEGACY Are FOREVER!!! LEGACY = IMMORTALITY!!!

[@RamjeProductions]

After three years of getting rejected by Automotive and Transportation Design Schools in Europe, I switched my course to Industrial Engineering and Management. Now I'm sure that I'll get to pay my debt and be able to afford the vehicle of my choosing. Why design cars when you can't afford one yourself. *TL:DR* _Get rich or die trying_

[@FastCarsFineGarbs]

Top video thank you so much sir this was so influential I have been regarding engaged I am revitalized to the knowledge that you have shared the experiences that you’ve shared in this video and the method by which you achieve your goals are only influencing me to do the same to the statement that you made at the Maverick will come outside of and not be within the industry is so so heartfelt thank you so much For that that a person from the industry is saying that only reinsurers all of us trying to be someone like you hope giving them up

[@superWoW_Art]

I am a professional designer in the field of architecture and interior designs but lately i was so interested with car designs specially the Korean Geneses GV80 with some comments , as you know that culture is one off design aspects that effect sales and revenue eventually, my experience in that matter is over 30 years in the field of design environments hope to meet with you soon if you are interested in COAP with gulf region design culture perspectives . Greetings

[@The.Fake.Adam.Lulich]

Thank you so much for making this video. It's made me think long and hard about what I want to do with my life. I’ve been sketching about 3 cars a day for the last decade. I'm only 18 so that's saying something. I've also taken up clay modeling. I hope it will pan out into something worthwhile. will see 🤞

[@sergeanttea-pose5063]

Strongly considering taking a course at uni which looks mainly at designing everything on a car such as mechanical workings, aerodynamics, use of materials with consideration for environmental impact (at least that's what I think it is, based on each time I've read the course summary). Not sure if my goal is really a very admirable one but for me I really want to see more elegant cars on the affordable end. I'm getting tired of seeing bloated SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks that all just come across as incredibly bland to me. I want designs to be more elegant, sharply defined yet not too aggressive: something that's clear to look at and easy on the eyes. Right now I have barely any experience with drawing designs by hand. So far I've only really been playing around with the design tool on a game called Automation Car Company Tycoon which I tend to spend maybe too many hours on. Apologies for the essay lol

[@macmaccourt]

You make me wish I had a time machine. Art Center was where I dreamed of going but that did not happen. I'll just sit back and be one of the most privileged people on the planet who gets to see the fruits of those who had the ability to chase that dream. Battista "Pinin" Farina, Marcello Gandini, Giovanni & Nuccio Bertone, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Tony Lapine, Frank Stephenson Santos, Luc Donckerwolke, Michelle Christiansen, Ian Callum, Horacio Pagani... there will be countless others who will create some of the most amazing vehicles we’ve ever seen. OEM or not the next 25 yrs will just be awe-inspiring. Thank you as always Frank for a job well done. I'm going to go work on my TARDIS now.

[@_BangDroid_]

I just wanna know what that water jug thing on your desk is

[@sargonolcas6486]

Can you make a video about the principles of starting a new carbrand and brand identity?