Following WWII, car designers (called "stylists" then) usually presented their design concepts as sketches on black paper, rendered with colored pencils, maybe some pastel chalks, and a little white paint for highlites. Selected concepts were then airbrush rendered in 3/8 or full scale on large sheets of black construction paper for presentation to company execs. Some favored designs were illustrated with "designers guash" paints on white illustration board. As time passed, colored papers began to be used for sketches and renderings of concepts. In the '60's, designers began to sketch on vellum and other papers using ink pens and "magic markers". Sometimes abstract backgrounds were made by pouring colored inks and thinner onto papers.
Concept art was usually put away in studio files for a while, then later destroyed. A few designers and executives managed to save a few favorite pieces for their personal collections. Years later, some concept art was donated to the Henry Ford Museum, and some was aquired by automobile museums. Today automobilia collectors are searching for the few surviving examples of styling studio concept art, especially that of the '50's through the '70's. As they played an essential part
in the creation of the never-to-be-forgotten American cars of that era, concept art will continue to be treasured far into the future.
John Samsen is offering for sale some of his sketches and renderings from his design career in the studios of Ford and Chrysler Corp. For those interested in purchasing, larger images and information can be sent via E-mail.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED; if not satisfied with the artwork, return it for refund of payment.
S&H not refunded. To contact John Samsen directly, send e-mail to...jsamsen@hargray.com
