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.

For the 4th year in a row, the team at BASF continues their support of the design community by being the presenting partner.   Color is what turns vehicles into emotional products, and in this arena  BASF has immense expertise and makes the perfect partner for the event.   Falken Tires, a leader in high performance tire technology for cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers and TA YIH Industrial, manufacturers of interior and exterior lighting, join the list of regulars at their first Sketchbattle.

Returning partners include Lacks Enterprises, a Michigan-based manufacturer of automotive trim components in a variety of premium finishes, has supported the event since 2014.  Only when art and science work together is the finish worth the start.  Covestro, a world-leading manufacturer of high-tech polymer materials for key industries such as automotive.  Their vision “To make the world a brighter place,”  fits the Sketchbattle perfectly.  And Linkage Design, 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.  These companies have supported design in Detroit for many years, and we are happy to have them back.

The format of the event follows what you come to expect from the Sketchbattle – 16 designers fighting to the death over three rounds of sketching.  Ok, that last part might be a bit of a stretch, but we don’t call ourselves The Fight Club of Design for nothing.  In reality, the only thing that gets injured at our events are egos – but no worry of that in the basement, as the art show is not competitive.

The contestants’ sketches will be judged on sketch quality and how successfully they meet the theme of each round within the 30 minute time frame.  The winner takes home a check for $2,500 compliments of BASF and a title belt from Mobsteel.

And don’t forget to make a donation in advance – ticket sales are running 40% ahead of last year.   100% of the ticket price goes to Project Beautiful – Inside and Out AND is 100% tax deductible.  There is also a charity auction at the event. This year 4 famous artists, Camilo Pardo, Jay Schuster, Sheefy McFly and Bob Soroka have created pedal cars for auction.  We expect a rather long line at the event and having your tickets in advance will shorten your queue time.  Also don’t forget we support students with deeply discounted advance tickets.

TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE

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. We are experts in customer engagement!

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.

For the 2018 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.