Design Competitions

jmecmore · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject: Design Competitions

I just want to say an opinion.

Please be aware that many of the "design contests" out there that are looking for "young designers" ideas for the car of the future, are new companies looking for cheap design. Instead of hiring designer and paying the required salary for professionals, they use student. Maybe they offer $1000 (which is nothing) and take your design. In a way you are killing the profession of automobile design by participating. One day when you need a real job designing cars and have spent years in school and lots of money, there may not be a job cause companies can just hold a "contest" and get the design from a student for almost free.

My concerns are Local Motors, if they become a real manufacture (which they are planning) they will make millions of dollars, we make nothing. Why would they ever hire designers if they can get it so cheap from contests? Also this Chinese design competition, what if a Chinese manufacture takes your design, builds a car, sells it world wide makes millions and we the designers...get nothing.

If it's a viable design competition it will be from a major manufacture who is really interested in you and not just buying your design. You should get a internship out of it, some real work experience and lead to a real job in the future. Not a quick $1000.

Just think about it.

Thanks guys,
jamie
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NelsonDesign · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:47 pm Post subject:

Really I have to agree with you. I've had those thoughts in my mind before.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts man
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bakerdzign · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:51 am Post subject:

I can agree with your views. Why should a startup car company hire designers to do the work for real pay,when,all you have to do is hold a contest,with a little prize money. Local Motors should,at the very least,give an internship for developing designers for a year or two. I'm talking about the guys who come up with the winning designs that LM really will use for their production vehicles. Also,the winner should get the winning product design(real car) as a thank you for making them money.
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EWBJ · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:13 am Post subject:

I've never given any effort to understanding what it was that LM did until recently. And your very thoughts went through my head.. I guess it's just how the world is now Rolling Eyes

.
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MRDETROITMETAL · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject:

http://speedanddesign.net/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?lmsg_start=0&t=2479#17045

^ I agree with Jamie 100%.
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jmecmore · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject:

I am at the SEMA show in Las Vegas and Local Motors is here with the first prototype of their off road car designed by some poor shmuck who they bought the design from for NOTHING! This sucks! They have the sketches of other wieners, and they want people here to vote for the next car they build. Please help stop this.
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MRDETROITMETAL · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

NelsonDesign · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:00 pm Post subject:

Car design is such a passionate and important thing to some people (like me), and I really hope I don't see a day where all cars are designed from competitions. I have reason to believe they won't though, sooner or later people are going to see that they need a JOB, not 1000 bucks. I think there should be some professional designers talking to em', like you Jamie.

I do like the design of the Rally Fighter though, I just can't back it
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MRDETROITMETAL · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:47 am Post subject:

Well, I am not sure what good it will do, one can only hope...But I did post a comment on LM that is specific to Jamie's original & follow up thoughts as has been discussed here. I figured this was one way to attempt to get some "clear answers" straight from the Company.

I post an excerpt below from my post, put here for your consideration of the points raised & as relates not only to LM but other similar "contest threads"...

Stingraysstudios
It is really UNCLEAR in my way of seeing things as to the Real Direction of LM at this point where you now have a "Product" showing at SEMA, the RF & are asking people "what do we do next?"....To my way of thinking & professionally speaking, LM SHOULD be Hiring DESIGNERS from the talent pool here & paying them Professional wages to DESIGN the next product of LM....I think an explanation of what the compensation as a DESIGNER is actually going to deliver in terms of a "Job" or "Contract Design Royalties" for the work provided on the RF, as well as future models.

I will let you know if indeed there are replies to answer & satisfy the questions raised. My experience with LM has been generally positive, so I am a bit surprised that they have not started to Hire Designers at this point. A clarification of the INTENT would be a good thing at this point.

Wink

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mystere485 · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

they now have a position listed for a car design intern.....