If you are a fan of auto shows like we are, you are probably aware of all the side-events. Manufacturer parties for press, media conglomerates entertaining their own and various “exclusive” events that pop up all over town like a game of whack-a-mole. Unfortunately most of these are private with restricted admission – unless you work for the right company, have the right job title or know the right people, these awesome events don’t include you. That’s where we come in – you are hereby invited to our event (because in this case apparently we are the “right” people). Please read on for info and tickets! 
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2015 Event Video thanks to the Detroit News
For the 2016 auto show edition of the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™, we are proud to bring together the Detroit Art and Business Community with assorted engineers, designers and gearheads to celebrate Automotive Design, all the while benefiting Project Beautiful – Inside and Out.
Project Beautiful – Inside and Out is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was created “to build confidence and inspire hope as individuals and families …in our community…. rebuild their lives”. This is especially important for women in shelters and similar situations. The charity provides some “niceties” in addition to the “necessities” (a roof over their heads, meals, clothing, etc.) which will help build confidence and inspire hope in these individuals when they need it most.
This year, the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™ is presented by BASF. Color is what turns vehicles into emotional products, and in this arena BASF has immense expertise and makes the perfect partner for the event. Both students and professionals alike will compete head to head by sketching in front of the audience in a multi-round competition. This years live competition sketching theme is based on BASF 150 year Anniversary Colors.
The contestants’ sketches will be judged on how successful they use these colors in their sketch and how they reflect the connotation and emotion that particular color evokes. The winner will get a check for $1,000 compliments of BASF and the awesome Title Belt shown above because this is the Fight Club of Design!
Longtime partner and supporter of design, Lacks Trims Systems supplies advanced finishes for automotive grilles and trim. Unequaled experience combined with technical knowledge and leading-edge tools enable Lacks to provide unique solutions in vehicle differentiation. From grilles to body side moldings, deck lid appliques to truck bed rails, Lacks’ products are marked by superior craftsmanship that is underscored by uncommon durability and dependability.
Another returning partner, Linkage Design, is one of the leading providers of design resources, design solutions & training, with an emphasis on providing these design services by utilizing advanced digital design tools like; AutoDesk Alias Surface & Automotive, ICEM Surf, Photoshop, Maya and others. With offices in Detroit, Greensboro, NC and the UK, Linkage is well suited to support the global auto industry.
Autodesk doesn’t just make sketching software, Autodesk is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across many industries—including the last 19 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects—use Autodesk software to design, visualize, and simulate their ideas before they’re ever built or created. From blockbuster visual effects and buildings that create their own energy, to electric cars and the batteries that power them, the work of our 3D software customers is everywhere you look.
This year we are pleased to add first-time partners ABC Group, a world-leader in appearance related plastic products. Supporting global automakers from their locations in North and South America, Europe and Asia, ABC Group is pleased to support Detroit, the design community and the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment.
To be a contestant, hopeful sketchers should run over to our partner All the Sketches for a complete set of rules. All the Sketches was created as a reference resource for designers and design students. Let’s face it- we’ve all got a massive sketch inspiration collection somewhere on our hard drives. Now you can access all the best sketches at any time from anywhere in the world! This is the first event where our top prize is $1,000, and we are expecting some world class sketchers on hand to demonstrate their skill, live, in front of the studio audience. Judges will be announced soon (its a closely guarded secret), but rest assured they are high level decision makers from FCA, GM and Ford…..exactly the kind of visibility the sketchers hope to gain.
Finally, we even have some special guests on hand. Mobsteel is a design / build car company that manufactures aftermarket products and builds custom cars, while celebrating the history of the automobile and the Motor City Detroit, Michigan. We start with Detroit’s finest vintage cars and turn them into modern day menacing street machines. The cars we build are a part of American History; vintage Detroit steel, not some fiberglass repro. Steel with a soul and a story. The blood, sweat and tears of our family and friends are in these motors, frames and bodies. At Mobsteel, we take it to the next level.
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The Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™ is presented by AACS and Middlecott Design.
AACS (Advanced Automotive Consulting Services, LLC) is a business development consultancy working in all aspects of the automotive industry. AACS specializes in helping automotive suppliers with their difficult objectives like introducing new technologies, expanding business onto new continents or breaking down walls to bring in new customers.
MIDDLECOTT Design is an international design organization based in Detroit, Michigan. As Detroit’s premier design consultancy, MIDDLECOTT will supercharge your brand through its award-winning formula of high-octane design.
Anyone interested in attending the event should register here as attendance is strictly limited.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Frank Schwartz