Macomb Community College has partnered with automotive industry experts to roll out a comprehensive vehicle design program that couples clay modeling with digital rendering skills.
“Computer-aided design has revolutionized design in amazing ways,” says Joseph Petrosky, dean of engineering and advanced technology. “But, in some instances, nothing beats the ability to look at, walk around, touch and fine-tune the curves and angles on a clay model. Employers need staff with skills in both areas. Macomb’s new digital sculptor program will help fill a talent pipeline that has been neglected for a generation.”
While the Warren, Mich.-based college’s program is structured to develop skills for the auto industry, clay modeling is also in demand in many other industries. And if the bright lights of show business beckon, clay modeling is a marquee occupation in Hollywood.
Macomb alum Ariana Patriquin, who studied clay modeling along with courses in 3-D animation and vehicle design, describes her education as “a wonderful opportunity for me.” She believes the clay modeling course “gave my portfolio an extra edge,” assisting her in landing a creative digital sculptor job at General Motors’ Cadillac exterior design studio.
Q: What does clay modeling provide that differs from, or augments, computer-aided designs?
A: Automakers spend hundreds of millions of dollars designing and building vehicles and don’t want to leave anything to chance when it comes to creating a good design. Computer-aided design is an indispensable tool used throughout the entire vehicle development process. However, virtual representations of a vehicle can never take the place of physically viewing the model itself. The human eye can pick up so many more details from a clay model than a computer is able to display, and these seemingly minor details can make or break a good design.
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see sculptors and designers review a recently completed clay model, you’ll see how meticulously and painstakingly they critique every nuance of the vehicle; the flow of body lines as the quarter panel flows into the doors and how the roof line sweeps fore to aft. They spend weeks discussing single elements of design that the layperson would likely overlook. This level of detail is simply unattainable on even the best computers.
Q: Is clay modeling also used to create limited-run dies?
A: At this point, the clay modeling portion of Macomb’s product development digital sculptor program is focused on scale models of speed forms and interpretations of vehicle sketches. However, we also know clay modeling extends beyond the vehicle design disciplines into other industries. Our students will be able to apply their clay modeling techniques to a wide range of applications.
Q: Is it correct that a good amount of clay modelers throughout the auto industry are nearing retirement age?
A: Absolutely. And from what our industry partners are telling us, there is an impending crisis coming down the pike for automakers when it comes to replacing seasoned, experienced employees in most skilled-trades areas. Clay modeling is just one example. Macomb Community College is acutely aware of the shortage of younger individuals who are prepared to move into these roles. We recognize that our industry partners are depending on us to develop new programs to stem the tide. Macomb’s digital sculptor program is just one example of how we are responding to their unique needs.
Macomb Community College is also engaging with elementary, middle and high school students through a variety of hands-on activities and experiences to introduce them to STEM-related fields. Without meaningful exposure to these exciting, challenging and lucrative careers many will never know the opportunities exist.
Q: How does clay modeling and the related enhanced design skills rate as a valid occupation for interested candidates to enter? Is this a field that people can shift to mid-career, in addition to younger people?
A: Prior to developing the digital sculptor program, the college conducted an industry assessment in our region that indicated employment prospects were very good, supporting what we had been hearing anecdotally from our industry partners. If the demand for our current graduates is any indication, the market is strong.
Graduates from our digital sculptor program develop a broad range of skills that allow entry the sculpting/design field in a number of positions.
Q: Aside from steady hands, what are the attributes that employers look for in a clay modeling candidate? Should a clay modeler have extensive knowledge of engineering? Or is it mainly art-oriented?
A: Macomb’s program is designed for those who have no prior knowledge or experience in clay modeling, design or engineering. But the best students are those who have some natural artistic ability, who intuitively understand how to create with their hands what they see in their minds. But, the clay modeling skill can be learned. Students who may not quite as artistically inclined can make up for what they lack in natural ability with hard work and discipline. But for those interested in vehicle design who are uncomfortable with anything slightly artistic, Macomb’s product development program is better as it is more mechanical in nature.
Q: What does your course of study entail?
A: Macomb’s product development digital sculptor program was developed to prepare individuals for careers that focus on the early concept design phase of the overall vehicle development process. The program includes coursework that stresses clay and digital modeling, design intent and analysis, and with emphasis on hands-on, project-based lab assignments that augment design theory courses and mirror the typical automotive design studio.
Q: Do most employers offer additional in-house training once a clay modeler is brought onboard?
A: Typically, the employee is partnered with a more seasoned employee to ensure the processes and procedures of that particular employer are being followed. Once secure with the employee’s skills, more autonomy is given.
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