Reinterpretation and mashups may seem like the new rage in the music industry but in truth people have been re-interpreting other people’s music since the beginning of the industry.  Suzanne Vega’s original 1982 Tom’s Diner was notably “remixed” by DNA in 1990.  Automotive logos have also been a target for artists who have offered their own takes on the brands.  My favorite might be the 8 Famous Car Logos Reimagined as Avengers Characters!  But what happens when you ask a bunch of Graffiti Artists for their take?

Recently Middlecott Design set out to find out.  The Detroit Grafiti scene is well documented and there are plenty of places to see examples of local artist’s work.  As part of the recent Detroit Design Festival, Brook Middlecott brought together local artists in a Sketchbattle competition to re-imagine car brands and logos. Local artists Bethany Shorb and ARMY served as judges.

Sketchbattle Judges Bethany Shorb and ARMY (center)

12 artists competed for the top prize, and considered Ford, Mopar, Dodge, Buick, Audi, Lotus among others as their inspiration.  In the end the winner was JMAK’s vision of the Dodge Brand.

First place was awarded to JMAK

Second place went to Amanda Orr and her homage to Ford (Special bonus points if you can find Ford in the painting).

2nd Place by Amanda Orr

Third place was a collaboration between BIGGZ and ETORIOUS based on MOPAR.

3rd Place by BIGGZ & ETORIOUS

And here are a few other pictures of the competitors.

Come back tomorrow for the CarBattle Results