The MiddleCott SketchBattle #21 was held at NewLab on September 14th on the final day of the NAIAS media days. The Fight Club of DESIGN! It’s a live automotive design competition and gathering unlike anything you have been to. Part of the NAIAS 2023 technology days, Detroit Month of Design, and Eyes on Design charity.
MiddleCott SketchBattle brings a new level of excitement to designers creating artwork live in a highly competitive competition with a wide range of ages.
The event was created by the extraordinary design duo Brook & Judith Banham of Middlecott Design. Brook is an industrial/product design juggernaut with serious illustration skills who also teaches automotive & footwear design at one of the countries best art colleges. Judith specializes in graphic design spanning across the graphic mediums.
*** The event info bellow directly from Middlecott Sketch battles website ***
SKETCHBATTLE #21 THEME:
Design the Ultimate Flying Muscle Car for a Sustainable Future
Introduction:
Craft the ultimate muscle car for 2050 that excels both on the ground and in the skies while aligning with the government’s mandate to transition away from fossil fuels. As urban congestion peaks, the government has ushered in a new era of transportation by permitting Personal Air-Ground Vehicles (PAGVs) that run on alternative, sustainable fuels. These vehicles seamlessly merge the power and performance of a muscle car with the ability to take flight, offering an exhilarating and eco-conscious driving experience.
Design Vision:
Picture a vehicle that embodies the legacy of classic muscle cars while delivering exceptional speed and power on the ground and clean, sustainable flight in the sky. The objective is to create an iconic PAGV that redefines high-performance driving and flying while contributing to a greener future.
Key Features:
- Muscle Car Performance: The PAGV should offer a muscle car’s thrilling acceleration, speed, and handling while prioritizing alternative fuel sources for sustainability.
- Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL): Incorporate VTOL technology for smooth transitions between ground and sky modes, using sustainable energy sources.
- Sustainable Fuel: Implement advanced alternative fuel systems, such as hydrogen, electric, or biofuels, to reduce environmental impact and align with government mandates.
Color Theme:
The color theme for your flying muscle car design should be yellow and black in keeping with the aggressive nature of the vehicle brief
- Thank you to Checker Detroit, our color theme sponsor and official ride-share service of Sketchbattle #21.
SKETCHBATTLE RULES AND AWARDS
COMPETITION RULES
Join 20 exceptional designers in their adrenaline-fueled quest for artistic brilliance.
With timed challenges, blank sheets, and hand-drawn sketches, raw talent is showcased.
Bring your own favorite tools including pens and colored paper in 11 x 17″ format.
We have white photocopy paper and a full range of Prismacolor pencils, markers and Sharpie productson hand for contestants.
Competition Rules:
• 3 rounds, 30 minutes each: Creativity races against the clock
• Blank sheet: Craft ignites from scratch on 11×17” paper
• Hand-drawn and traditional tools: Pens, markers, brushes, and pencils bring visions to life
• No pre-made elements: Freehand ingenuity without underlays, CAD components, or backgrounds
• Industry judges: Luminaries evaluate creativity and execution in scores ranging from 1–10
THREE SKETCHBATTLE AWARDS
MIDDLECOTT SKETCHBATTLE CHAMPION
The Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion is chosen by a panel of esteemed designers from the automotive industry. The prestigious Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion title recognizes the participant’s exceptional talent and creativity with:
• Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion title belt by Mobsteel
• Brazen Sport, Swiss-made watch with custom engraving
• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription
• Parker 51
• Rotring 800 with custom engraving
• Artwork by Brook
• Prizes from sponsors to be announced
DARBY JEAN AWARD
New to this year’s Sketchbattle, Middlecott proudly introduces the Darby Jean Award, named after the first female Champion in 2015. Now a Sketchbattle Advisor and Creative Exterior Designer at Chevrolet, Darby Jean Barber champions female-identifying talent in automotive design. This special recognition aims to empower female creatives and recognizes their exceptional skill and passion with:
• Diamond bracelet by Diamonds Direct valued at $3650 link
• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription
• Rotring 800 mechanical pencil with custom engraving
• Artwork by Brook
• Mentorship and support: personalized one-year mentorship as a stepping stone for aspiring female designers, opening doors to new opportunities and visibility within the industry.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER
The People’s Choice Award allows audiences to engage actively in the event and vote for their favorite sketch. The People’s Choice triumph comes with:
• Prizes from sponsors to be announced
• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription
• Rotring 800 with custom engraving
• Artwork by Brook
*** First 1/2 of images– Post got too big ***
Make sure to view larger & show some love. Please Like, comment, & share link to support the website.
MODE Detroit 