thesupplierblog

If you have any question that Detroit is the center of the automotive design universe, Sketchbattle 15 should alleviate your doubts.  More than 600 people, a mix of automotive designers, engineers, suppliers, Detroit-area businesses, the local arts community,  automotive enthusiasts, media and even Michigan Legislators, came together to celebrate design as a talent as the newest Sketchmaster was crowned.  Before we give you a rundown of the rounds and the winner, let us take you through the activities of the evening from beginning to end…..

Historic St. Andrew’s Hall, site of Sketchbattle 15                                           photo: Charles Ruggles

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The following is an editorial and does not represent the opinion of any of our clients – the views expressed are mine and mine alone.  The Cleveland Auto Show has a new brother, the Detroit Auto Show.  I can no longer call it the North American International Auto Show because a) it is no longer truly international and b) it really doesn’t even represent North America that well either.  Does all that sound a bit harsh?  I don’t think so.  To understand my opinion you should at least understand my point of view, so please read on…….

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With the countdown clock under 12 hours, and tickets flying out the door, it is a great time to review the themes for the 3 rounds of tonight’s epic clash of design titans.  We are not billed as “The Fight Club of Design” for nothing – come watch designer’s egos get bloody as they sketch live.  Tickets are available for a pre-event discount price until NOON today at http://www.sketchbattles.com.

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At Sketchbattle 12, the basement of St. Andrew’s was basically empty and used only for coat check.  What a difference a year makes.  For Sketchbattle 15 the famous Shelter, where Eminem had rap battles in the movie 8 Mile, is a hot bed of its own activity.  Auction items for charity Project Beautiful will be joined by an Art Show of epic talent as the bar is open make The Shelter the perfect place to spend the down-time between rounds.

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Professional and student designers will be fighting to the death for the title of World Champion Sketchmaster when Sketchbattle 15 presented by BASF returns to its home in Detroit.  The “Fight Club of Design” party has visited multiple cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco since its inception in 2012.  This event, the 15th in the series, features a live sketching competition, great music and an art show on Tuesday, January 15th from 7-midnight at world famous Saint Andrew’s Hall.  Over the years the event has been judged by a unique cross-industry of experts and design luminaries such as Camilo Pardo, Ralph Gilles of FCA, Doyle Letson of Ford, Bregt Ectors of GM and many others.  The panel gets to choose who receives the $2500 top prize by BASF.  For Detroit 2019, Helen Emsley of GM will be the Chief Judge, and will be joined by Ryan Nagode of FCA, Jeff Hammoud of Rivian and Adam Rabinowitz of Calty Toyota, along with guest judge Paul Czornij of BASF each themed round.

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As the Sketchbattle has expanded, the amount of potential contestants has grown exponentially.  For the first time ever, we are allowing you to choose one of the contestants via an online survey at http://www.sketchbattles.com.  Here are our 15 confirmed contestants starting with the only 2-time champion Omar Gonzalez.

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Next week the best auto designers in the country are gathering at historic St Andrew’s Hall to determine who is the new Sketchmaster.  They will demonstrate their talents in the same place where famous artists have played like Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, The Verve, Nirvana, R.E.M., Jane’s Addiction, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Love and Rockets, the Cramps, and more. In addition to the Sketchbattle, for 2019 we are also bringing a new event to the basement which was featured in the rap battle scene in the movie 8 Mile.

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