...sorry, couldn't resist.
Kevin sent a few pics recently, showing a couple of detail items as his T-Bird project presses onward. If you've yet to see the project, it'll look much like this rendering:

The beauty of this build is that it's a home-built ride, and it's Kevin's FIRST attempt at building a car! He's stripped it bare, and rebuilt the car, adding custom touches all over the place along the way, and the level of detail is more than impressive! (click here for more)

His parts choices have been rock-solid, as well,

and all of this, combined with the car's mild custom/pro-touring crossover feel will make for one killer, unique machine!
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and Kevin, keep up the good work, brother ...

...is just plain sweet!
I had the experience (yes, it was an opportunity... but, oh, so much more) not so long ago to meet a man who is not only a legend in my field of hot rod design, but is one of the reasons that I do WHAT I do for a living. I was introduced to Mr. Charlie Smith.
Charlie is one of the major influences in my design sense... more than any design instructor I ever had direct contact with in school. His abilities and style had more of an effect on me through the printed pages of Hot Rod, et.al. than any classroom time... THAT, my friend, says a lot about the impact of his work! It was (and still is) his ability to incorporate a modern take on a design, and bring in forward-thinking, almost futuristic touches and materials to a car that made the first impression on me.... It was as if my designs at that time in my youth were vindicated... Someone else was thinking this way too!
In any event, we shared a great phone conversation one afternoon, in which I found that he was more than his legendary talent... but also a well-spoken, easy-going, regular guy. We conversed about many things, and I gained a friend that afternoon, proving my point that I work in the greatest job on Earth. Where else can one talk to their idols, their mentors, and come away as just regular people making friends like this? Too cool.
In any event, one of the things bringing us to meet, was a venture called Motorburg...

More than just a web site, more than a forum.... it's a gathering place of legendary proportions! Imagine all of your heroes of hot rod design in one place... Charlie Smith, Thom Taylor, C.Cruz, Jimmy Smith (a great guy and good friend), Darrell Mayabb, Greg Tedder and Ralph Burch... it's like a Who's Who of hot rod and custom car design and automotive art! It's loaded to the gills with great content, and well worth the time to cruise around. The forums have some great topics buzzing, and the stories shared there are not only informative, but entertaining!
If you're a budding automotive artist, hot rod designer, or just a gearhead in search of something cool, I strongly suggest getting over to www.motorburg.com, and checking it out. You really will enjoy your time there. If you're a regular on the Friday Art Show over on the H.A.M.B., this may be the way to get a great mid-week fix, and check out even more great work and artists between shows! In all, I'm stoked to have made a great friend, and proud to share this great place with you...

...but it could have been worse.

Making note of Team Force's recent involvement with safety padding improvements, Kenny Bernstein walked away from today's horrific crash with John Force with only a nagging headache. Sadly, John wasn't so fortunate in the collision between the two drivers during the Fall Nationals Funny Car Eliminations. The two collided near the top end of the strip, and eventually the wall, demolishing both cars, and leaving Force injured with two broken legs, damage to his hand, and a possible concussion.
A true sportsman, Force's initial concern was that Bernstein was OK, and not injured... The guy is 110% class, and we wish him all the best, and a speedy, full recovery...

...is me...

Our good friend Pike has set out on a new venture, creating the ultimate car community... He calls the community MyRideIsMe.com, and it's a creative take on the social networking theme, adding an organized feel to the typical car community site.
Focusing on making the registration free as well as easy, you're presented with the tools to make connecting with like-minded car nuts a breeze. You can add comments, build a "garage" loaded with your cars, bikes, artwork, etc... and build a "crew" of your friends. Best of all? No unrelated ads to spoil each visit. This is clearly a community built BY car guys FOR car guys.
The future has great things in store for the site, including profiles on industry pro's, product relases and reviews, feature cars and events, and even technical how-to's! Drop in, and tell 'em we sent ya...

...has been an on-going theme here in the Studio, and it's also the well-chosen name for what is to be the baddest custom Buick on Earth...
Those of you familiar with the site will recall the ad we ran for a bit here, looking for someone to take the reins on a killer Buick project...

Suffice to say, a TREMENDOUSLY capable and active owner has been found to ensure this car's climb to greatness. It's one of those projects you just feel in your gut, and I'm just a little proud to be involved with it. There are big plans for this amazing custom, and with the build talent and energy around it, I'm already losing sleep!
The car's working name, "Reslilience" mirrors not only it's storied past thus far, but the attitude and drive behind it. There's a lot of creativity being thrown its way, not to mention some dedication befitting a bright future... More soon...

...said Henry... and he did just that.
Last night, we ventured from the Studio and into Tempe to see Mr. Henry Rollins at the Marquee Theater, and it was oh-so worth the wait. Great show, and no better way to spend two and-a-half hours (excluding waiting for the doors to open, enjoying a couple of drinks, and generally talking and mingling before the show...). The wife and I have been planning to see Henry live for some time, and if you've never seen (or listened to) his spoken word performances, you're missing quite a bit.

(exhibit 4,388,981,027 of why cell phone cameras suck)
His stories are entertaining, to say the least, and I've always managed to take something with me after listening to a great story teller. Saturday night was no exception, as I learned about a great band, the Ruts, some interesting people he's met in his travels, plans to aid Mother Nature in her rebellion, that he and I share a love for confrontation, and a great amount of insight into his plan to spread understanding via an "underground" music program, sharing music throughout different cultures. How cool is that? Consider how many people you've met and forged a friendship with because you share the same musical tastes...
Hell, getting more on track here, imagine how many friends you've made over the topic of cars? It's funny, from my point of view, anyway, how many people are just intrigued by cars and what I do for a living. It's a great ice-breaker, and always a trip when we're out someplace, and I get asked "what do you do for a living?". Suddenly, I'm the popular guy...
The topic of cars has always been the great equalizer, and drawing them has been a blessing for me, sparing me beatings when my mouth got a little too big... I guess the pen IS mightier than the proverbial linebacker.
In any event, the show was a blast, and if you get the chance to see him on his "Provoked" tour, or one in the future (or, should you have access to time travel, and assuming that reverse travel could be possible at all without entirely destroying the known quantum universe and its laws, maybe a tour in the past), by all means, head out and enjoy...

...at least by readers of Chevy Rumble Magazine...
John's '69 Camaro project, currently being finished up over by our friends at Bright Built Hot Rods in Salina Kansas, recently grabbed some ink in the August issue:

This was one of those cool projects that was fun to design, and is so slick and simple... The lines of the car really shine through, without relying on gimmics, body kits or other add-ons. The interior will be just as slick, and will be handled by the very able-handed Tracy at Recovery Room, and will help to further down-play the LS7/4L65E/9-inch driveline, Detroit Speed Quadra-link and stainless steeel brake-equipped chassis. It's part sports car, part cruiser, part sleeper... it's just the kind of Camaro that begged to be built. More soon...

...or at least some ink on a custom from Germany...
I'm ecstatic about today's news. Christian's Hudson truck project (if you haven't seen it yet, check it out here) scored some ink in the September 2007 issue of Custom Classic Trucks:

It's a great project that is currently in the interior design phase, and has been a blast throughout, stretching my creative vision, and really just remaining fun and full of Christian's love for all things automotive. The goal is for Christian to finish the truck by his 30th birthday in 2010, and he's well on his way! Just wanted to thank him for the mention, and grab a copy of this issue if you're out and about...

...can be a rewarding hobby. I've always wanted to swap some work with other artists, and build a collection of unique pieces, and have finally begun to do so.
A few months back, I swapped some work with skateboarding legend and all-around great guy Steve Caballero, having swapped out a portrait of his gold coupe for a killer piece of his famous stencil art, and it got the ball rolling.
Most recently, I scooped up a piece of killer work, with some great subtle humor:

It's by the great Don Haring Jr., and not only is it a great addition to the wall of fame, but it brought up a grand point about this new hobby of mine... Namely, that artists are fun to deal with. I mean, we all share a common passion, and many of my artist friends are car guys, too... which makes for some great conversation, no doubt. Beyond that, it's the fun stuff we share. When Don's print came rolling in, I got a huge kick out of the tube it was packed in, which also found a spot in the collection. The personalized cartoon was great, as was the great "U.S. Department of Homeland Scootery" decal attached to it! I was even happier to find another inside the tube! Made my day.
In any event, I guess that what I'm getting at is: If you're looking for a great hobby, and a chance to load up your walls with some great art, look no further than some unique pieces by automotive artists. You'll not only get some great art, but possibly some entertaining conversation...

...is a terrible title for this entry, but, let's be honest, I got nothin' better.
Anyway, I just wanted to share a piece I knocked off recently as sort of a self-promotional work. It started as a passing thought some years back, pondering "what if there was a second-generation Monte Carlo funny car?" Granted, the great Mickey Thompson had a Grand Am back in the early '70's, and it was a mean piece... with a VERY warped and contorted body. My idea was to keep the general shape intact, aside from the requisite narrowing, and stretching (OK, and a raise on the decklid, etc etc...).
Anyway, I dug out the old pencil rough, and went to work on it, arriving at this:

It's pure '70's, but a "refined" take on the look... almost "show-car-ish". The body lends itself naturally to the treatment, and was just one of those fun "warm-up" exercises when switching gears from writing code for a website to hammering out a rendering. Would I expect anyone to build it? Not especially... but with an interior, some doors, functional lights... ahh, screw doors. Keep a flopper body on it, and impress the soccer moms at the grocery store as you suavely slide your polyester-panted posterior into the cockpit while Supertramp streams through the Sparkomatics. Thus ends our alliteration lesson for today...

...and super clean.
Our good friend Tom scored some ink in the October 2007 issue of Popular Hot Rodding with his wagon project, winning the Mother's Picture Perfect Award:

It's almost ironic that he scooped that up, considering that, as photogenic as the car is, pictures really don't do it any justice... it's THAT clean and well-done! It's a home-built car that raises the bar.
If you're unfamiliar with the car, you can check out a brief build story here on the site, and check out details, like the killer V-6/T-5 combo that powers this smooth cruiser, and dig on the slick 2-door conversion of the wagon. I'm happy to see Tom enjoying the car, and wanted to say thanks again to him for having me pen some designs for the project. If you're local, check it out at cruises and shows (it rarely sits still), and if you're not, grab the issue when you're out and about. Congrats again, Tom...

...is often a touchy subject. Consider re-makes of movies, for instance. You run he risk of there being a complete division of fans... some loving the new and improved version, and others hating it, claiming its inferiority to the original. Rare cases like Dawn of the Dead (the original is a big favorite of mine, and played a BIG role in my youth...more on that sometime...) have had remakes that are excellent, much like Ocean's 11, as well. ...and then you have crap like the Omen.
Occasionally, someone re-works a story, and it's gets me all psyched up... such is the case with Todd McFarlane and Josh Olson teaming up on their feature film, Twisted Land of Oz (of course, you know there'll be LOTS more on this in the near future!! Anything from the house of Spawn is relished in this studio!). Taking what is quite possibly the most widely-known and cherished film of all time, and re-working it with a twisted vision is a great idea, and takes some original and wickedly creative characters even further:

After all, which one looks like a more intense time in the theater to you?
It's not a far throw, then, to talk about re-makes of classsic custom cars or hot rods... I'm all for re-makes of cars like the Hirohata Merc, and even a lost car.. say, for instance a lost Roth car that gets re-made in pure tribute. How cool is that to share history with people who may have never seen it otherwise?
Re-working something take a special brand of creativity, not to mention an ability to walk the line between showing reverence and profaning the memory of the original. Taking a historical custom and re-working it has been done before, and occasionally with good results. It gets me thinking, though... what if I could re-work a classic like the Aztec, or the Jade Idol what would I do? There would be HUGE challenge in each, and improving on either would be an incredible challenge, not to mention running the risk of being chased from town Frankenstein-style if I got it wrong. There have been well-known rides (like the Golden Sahara, with it's re-done multi-finned persona altered from its original incarnation by Jim Skonzakis -- aka "Jim Street") mildly re-worked and accepted by fans of the first incarnation, certainly. But look back on others that were re-worked and over-done to the point of becoming monstrosities, like most show cars did in the early-to-mid 1960's, and it's easy to see where taste can be overcome by the need to "do more" and score more judging points. The risk of toppling over the line from "cool car" to Corvette Summer garishness is but a few gallons of Bondo and some madness away from one another, it seems.
With the new Camaro and Challenger nearing showrooms, you can't help but wonder what the public will make of these cars. Both are, in essence, ree-makes... The latest Mustang has done well to capitalize on the historical reverence of the model, going so far as to offer classic Shelby, King of the Road, and even Drag Pack options in the Motorsport catalog. Should there be a race-only, lightweight Hemi Challenger available? COPO Camaro's being fitted wih race parts in dealerships? Why not? (Imagine a Hemi Dart built on the new LY platform?! Wowza.) It all boils down to doing something well, and taking creative license down the right road... and avoiding the flying monkeys, of course. Goes without saying, I suppose...

of friends or like-minded people, you can almost always get a knowing nod or smile. If you're Zeppelin fans, "THE album" may be either Physical Graffiti or IV (and may be grounds for a fist fight, who knows?). Say "THE '55 Chevy" in one group, and you conjure images of either Falfa's black ride from American Graffiti (or its prior incarnation in gray for "Two Lane Blacktop"... perhaps the sound of it in "Smokey and the Bandit"? We'll save that for another time...), or in another crowd, Scott Sullivan's Cheez Whiz Orange masterpiece. Say "THE goal" to a Hockey fan, and you'll conjure up this iconic, historic image:

Game 4. Overtime. Sweep of the Blues on the line. First Cup victory in 29 years. Sanderson's pass leaves Orr's stick as he's hit by Blues defenseman Picard. As Orr sails though the air, the puck slides past goaltender Hall, and a historic moment is caught on film... quite possibly the most famous sports photo of all time.
...which is what got me thinking about all of this in the first place. Bobby Orr. Why would I think of Hockey's greatest defenseman while sketching up some cars? It may have to do with my kids heading back to school this past week, and thoughts of book reports, nostalgic whatever about my days in school, who knows... But I do know that one of my first book reports was on a book about Mr. Orr, and it left an impression on me.
I recall reading the book, and thinking "whoa... this guy is the greatest!", and not just numbers-wise, but man... he's everything a sports hero SHOULD be: talented, dedicated, and driven. Calder Cup winner, eight straight Norris Trophies, three-time Hart Trophy recipient, two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and two, count 'em, TWO Stanley Cup winning goals... and a spot in a little place we call the Hall of Fame. He played with a terribly injured left knee, and when he felt that his play on that knee was hindering his team, he politely retired from the game. With 270 regular season career goals, and 645 assists, it's obvious that this guy was a leader...and more. When he moved to Chicago, and his injuries allowed him to play only 26 games, he refused to accept a salary, and, in fact, never cashed a paycheck.
At that early age, what I had learned at home was reinforced in that book: work hard, remain dedicated to what you do, and earn your keep. It left a mark on me that became permanent... What's this got to do with cars? Like I said at the beginning, there's always that certain "something" about, well, something that just sets it apart, and etches itself on you in some way. Bobby Orr's story was like that to me, much like Scott Sullivan's '55, Doane Spence's roadster and Winfield's Jade Idol... Each has that mystique, that vibe that draws you in closer, and then leaves an indelible mark. My goal is to one day design or create something that does that to someone, and who knows, maybe inspire some grammar school kid to look up to me. May you have that effect as well, and leave behind a legacy of "THE's"...

...or three or four.
What's a GASCAP? They're a new line of collectable toys... the baby of our friend and muy talented designer Castro. He started at Jada Toys, working on and launching some of the most popular die-cast lines of our time, moving to Maisto, where he's been breathing neww life into existing lines, as well as launching the "Outlaws" line of hard-core rods and customs... and now, these bad-boys:

Three inch character vehicles with lights, sound, and an unmistakable, oversized gas cap. There's HUUGE variety in the cars offered, from muscle cars to VW's, municipal vehicles to lowriders, and even kustoms! (admit it, you NEED a chopped Merc running scallops, louvers and big attitude...)
Best news is, our boy scored shelf space at Target with the line (dig on the hauler/playset, too!)... how cool is THAT?!
We're always proud when one of our own makes it big, and we tip our hat to you, Castro! May 2008 be even bigger for you

...almost sounds like a poorly constructed statement... Yet, Project Phoenix is back at home following it's second body shop appearance in under a year.
Staying true to its name, Blake's Firebird has made it from the paint shop to the garage in one piece, and is starting the re-assembly process, hopefully in enough time to log some shake-down time prior to some floor time at the Houston AutoRama. This is one of those "what can go wrong NOW??!" kind of projects, and we're stoked to see it finally rising from the ashes.

Look for the "Projects" page to be upated soon, but for now, you'll have to make due with the above shot, showing off some new paint, and that killer flush-mounted glass, among the many other subtle changes

Where inspiration lies...
10 AUG 07- ...is often as close as an old box of toys.
Lately, I've been drawing a large amount of inspiration from different sources. As I've pointed out in my past few entries, I had grown tired of the same-old, same-old... and the influx of new work echoes my sentiments with some power. I received a ton of supportive emails regarding my latest work in PHR and Truckin', and speaking to a lot of you has been great. Thank you for the support, and for enjoying my new work. It's been fun again in the Studio, pushing a few boundaries, and in a few notable cases, throwing the envelope away, and just running wild with ideas!
I was asked by more than a few people where my new inspiration has been coming from, and I answer the same way each time: "it's ideas I've had for a long time that just didn't seem right to run with before now". In fact, it just seemed the right time clear across the board. Too many cookie-cutter cars, all following the leader, all nicely conforming to some set of rules. The work coming in runs wild and free with energy, and it's a pleasure getting to make some new friends, and play a part in designing some killer new rides!
I've kept items around my office for as long as I can recall... Much like others, it's nice to have some mementos around, things that inspire, afford a brief mental escape, whatever. Two such items have attracted a TON of my attention lately, and have inspired some cool new ideas:

(pardon cruddy pic)
These two cars have been with me for years, and have provided more inspiration than anything else. They're almost a metaphor for how much variety I'm drawing into my new work... After all, a funny car and a street van?!
Yep.
Inspiring one car?!
Uh-huh.
Like I said before, there's a group of us thumbing our noses at the "rules", and getting back to what made us get into cars in the first place: The fun of it all... and how inspiring is THAT?!
I'm off to stage a drag race on my desk... the world finals of the Street Van/Funny Car Eliminator Series. Go and do likewise.....

"Talk Like Dio Day"...
07 AUG 07- ...was a rousing success in the Studio today, and not just because my 3 year-old is the same height as the heavy metal master, either. A move was made to have some "morale-boosting" exercises around the offices lately, and the latest was also, in some ways, the greatest.
We had decided that talking like a famous person would be fun, and while I was seriously pulling for Christopher Walken Day (how freakin' cool would THAT have been? Oh, to dream....), my son pushed double-time for Dio (second choice, following Patrick from SpongeBob), as he flat-out rocks to his music, and gets a kick out of my sad attempts to sing like him.
What a day... the highlight was towards the end of the day when the little man (my son, not Ronnie James himself) exploded into the office, wailing away in his best Dio voice yet, "I stay a-hungry... what we do for dinn-ah?!", and my only reply was "What do YOU desi-ah?!" Good times indeed. Yakov Smirnoff Day has been suggested already as a follow-up, but I'd still like to go with Walken. Or maybe Chris Tucker. Tough call there...

Double-shot weekend ...
03 AUG 07- ...without Supertramp. Not that there's anything wrong with Supertramp, mind you... it is, after all, a double-shot weekend staple, like R.E.O. Speedwagon and Journey.
Now that I have some '70's pop-rock oozing through your head, on to the topic at hand: I'm stoked to have two magazine issues on the stand this month that feature my work! I was asked repeatedly by some friends to let them know if/when I'd have some work in print, so I thought "why not post it right up front, and make the news easy to find?" In any event, this month you can find me in Popular Hot Rodding and Truckin' Magazine!

I'm stoked whenever I'm asked to create a piece for a magazine... When I was growing up (physically, anyway... the mental part seems a bit slow in coming), I had always thought "how cool would it be to get published like that?", and the excitement never seems to lessen... in fact, it grows each time I have the opportunity. Mark at Truckin' was looking to start a new mini-feature to highlight the potential of new trucks, and I had a blast working on a concept for the new Sierra Denali (dig the flush-mount side glass), and I can't say thanks enough for the killer write-up!
Steve over at PHR asked me to create a Dream Car of the Month, and I went for some more MOPAR madness (to answer a recurring question, yes, I have chosen 2007 to nail down some MOPAR visions that have been haunting me, this feature makes three Dodge/Chrysler cars that I've drawn this year) in the form of a street machine-meets-road-racer themed '74 Road Runner.
I just wanted to thank Mark and Steve for publishing my work, and their continued support of it. Thanks to guys like them, I get to enjoy moments like this, and hopefully spark the imagination of not only car and truck owners, but hopefully some kid drawing on the back of his folders, or scrap paper...
If you think of it, check out both issues, and hope you enjoy....

Innovation, guest appearances and simple math...
31 JUL 07- ...all combined in my head over the past couple of days. I had been in the studio almost non-stop this past week, trying to keep up, and finishing up some bigger projects, and as usual, began to ponder mysteries of life. One topic that often entertains my gray matter is that of innovation. I enjoy looking back on instances where one single event or idea made enough of a ripple to change something. Consider skateboarding (not much of that happening with a knee like mine lately)... A simple trick like the Ollie took it from slalom and simple "sidewalk surfing" into a whole new universe. Arials, tricks previously unimagined... Hell, almost all extreme (board) sports can trace some lineage back to this simple trick (consider how surfing was transformed by the arial). Car-wise, consider Sam Barrris chopping the first Merc... better yet, his fastback Buick! Style moved in a whole new direction! Lower, cleaner designs poured from Detroit following this most basic (yet complex) custom idea.
It's all simple math, really. Add where you must, subtract what must be removed for the sake of style, and, if you do your math carefully, you have a winner! Consider that there are an almost infinite number of equations to arrive at a solid design, and it boggles the mind. It all falls on vision, and carrying elements to the right places.
Speaking of innovations, simple math, etc... I listen to a lot of music in the Studio, and I enjoy a broad range of styles. A recent spinning of some classic R & B really got the brain firing on all cylinders. I began to think about guest appearances, and the blending of occasionally different, and sometimes similar elements, and how they can affect the final product, be it music, cars, or even food. Canned Heat recorded an album with the legendary John Lee Hooker, entitled Hooker n' Heat, as the band was getting back to their blues roots.

The album is almost, in essence, a John Lee Hooker album, with the Heat playing backup... But it works. In fact, it's something beyond a simple listening experience... it takes on a life of its own (namely in Wilson's unbelievable harmonica playing-- sadly, also his last appearance). The meshing of Canned Heat's loose, funky, boogie style, with Hooker's down and dirty demeanor make this not only a great listen, but inspiration! Consider how, in most cases, a guest appearance by anyone (be it TV, music, or anything) is often watered-down. In the case at hand, Hooker just stomps his way in front, and stays there... It's pure "attitude music" if ever such a thing existed.
How does this apply to cars? Like any good design, it's in choosing the right ingredients, and using them to the right level... pulling the most from their potential. It's not about just bringing in the hottest "at-the-moment" thing (remember composite headlamps being installed on EVERYTHING in the '80's? There's a warning.), it's choosing some elements that may be, on the surface, anyway, entirely different... and finding some common ground or theme for them to work from. Looking at the raw material, and then seeking out an element, a slice of character in either a part or a modification that just makes visual "sense". Consider the use of Buick trim on a Merc. Just looks "right" somehow. A good idea that spawned countless clones. I suppose that my point is simply to hone your ability to discern what makes for good design, and to absorb those things that look (or sound!) "right"... and make sense of the WHY (why they look right, why it flows). In short, don't be afraid to kick the tail of your board, invite a different co-host (or opinion), or throw a few new numbers into the equation. After all, when it comes to innovation or imitation, there's really only one way I'd like to go...

Tourism...
27 JUL 07- ...versus "enthusiasm".
There's a line between simply visiting a place, and taking it all in. You can always spot the tourist, right? The guy with the louder-than-most Hawaiian shirt, fifty necklaces from local vendors, and the loud voice trying to pronounce a word on a sign in a foreign (to him, anyway) language.
It's harder to spot the enthusiast, the guy who comes here "all the time". They blend, they know the customs, they drink in the experience. They don't eat at the local Applebee's and catch the fire-walking chimp boy's mime act, they eat at the greasy spoon, and mingle with the locals. In fact, this is how they know so much about the area. Exploration. An open mind.
Hot rodding is a lot like this. With the advent of TV shows (running the gamut from "reality" to "drama" to "do-it-yourself"), we've seen an influx of tourists in the hobby/industry/lifestyle... the casual observer who might decide to dip his or her toes into the pool, and build a car. Sadly, some are swept up in the excitement, and go strictly on what they saw on a particular episode of "Bling My Rat Rod", and wind up frustrated when the car lacks quality/fun/visual appeal, or all of the above.
I'm suggesting, then, that if you're a "toursist" that you choose a proper guide. Seek out experienced builders ("enthusiasts"), and ask questions. Mingle. Avoid the tourist traps of "to fit into a certain classification, your car MUST have this size wheel, this hood..." and other such peer nonsense. Don't rely on the communal approval of a messsage board, quite possibly populated by teenagers armed with the latest magazine... (I'm not saying this is true of ALL forums... just a couple of 'em) Trust simple design principles. Trust advice garnered from listening to experienced rodders. Seek out information. Compare notes... and build what you want, not a clone of 30 other cars, only this time with 18 video monitors. It's the same when considering "new" products. A few years back, it was billet grilles... How many companies rushed to market? Do we need 400 variations of billet door handles, latches, or other nonsense? What happens when the bandwagon gets overloaded? It spills over, and breeds contempt.
My point is, if you travel somewhere, you could see what the tourism board wants you to see (the sanitary places you can spend money at), and bring home the same photos your neighbor did, or you can seek out a trustworthy local to guide you through the back alleys (if you're REALLY gutsy, go it alone!), and taste the REAL culture of a place, and formulate your own opinion... and pull out some astounding, fresh photos back home. Be an explorer, innovate a bit, and above all, be an enthusiast. Jump in, feet first, and absorb the culture. The locals are friendly, approachable, and love to talk about the local customs... literally and figuratively. (granted, deep in the darkest jungles, there are cannibals and more fearsome creatures, and they are best left alone to observe... going all missionary on them can be hazardous... but paying them respect can have you returning home with untold wealth in the form of knowledge... and a head on your shoulders)
You can either hop on the tour bus, or feel free to wander with the enthusiasts through the local markets, and load up on fresh ideas. Either way, leave your baggage at home. We travel light...

Dreamin' again...
22 JUL 07- ...this time in a vibrant green and semi-flat black... with a variation in a custom mix of Top Banana with a splash of Vitamin C.
If you get a chance, snag the new issue of Popular Hot Rodding. I was given some creative freedom on the Dream Car of the Month, and I chose the often overlooked '74 Plymouth Road Runner as a jumping-off point....

...slicing and dicing my way across the front end, and smoothing out the rest. Above is an alternate version, and tasty as well.
Those '71/'72 front wheel openings just seemed natural, as did those amber inside headlamps. The published version has a few more surprisess and goodies, which you can read more about in the magazine, and I'm proud of the finished rendering. It's not a common car to take the modern street machine/pro-touring route with, but has great lines, and a vicious demeanor when worked over. Imagine one of these with black steelies and dog dish caps, and you'd be crazy not to pursue the project.
It's the goofy or off-beat cars that get me going, as they seem to radiate that "fun factor", and can take any shape you wish, usually wihout fear of retaliation from the purists. It's a tough go, especially if the starting point is incomplete or a basket case... but with some creativity, and a willingness to get a "garage tan", the sky is really the limit...

Rubbing elbows ...
20 JUL 07- ...at least vicariously. While I was catching up on work here in the Studio, friends of ours were entertaining themselves in that hot rod wonderland we call Columbus. So, while I made close contact with pencil to paper, my good friend Rod rubbed elbows with some greats (while decked out in some truly fashionable wear, no less):



...and how cool is that?
While I'm bummed that I missed the show, there was a grand, dare I say "renaissance" here in the Studio, where caution was tossed to the wind on a new project, and the results have brought in some killer energy. Suffice to say, it's a new direction in some work, and with the open road ahead of it, the down-time is being used to great advantage.
Thanks to Rob for the pics, and for acting as a human billboard all weekend...

Knees and wants...
17 JUL 07- ...and asymmetrical design... Maybe it's the pain talking, but after wiping my knee out last weekend (we'll spare the gory-ness, and go for a covered pic instead):

I got to thinking about balanced design, namely asymmetrical design. I had just seen my kneecap migrate to the side of my leg as it bent in a new direction, and while pretty disgusting in its own right, it got the wheels in motion (granted, it was as a distraction from the pain, but still)...
Anyway, I got to thinking of some great new ways to introduce some of this design priciple (asymmetry, not bending stuff in new ways)to current projects, and how to properly do so. Roth was a master of this idea, and had the notion down cold. Simply defined, it is balanced design without the use of mirror images.
Consider Roth's Mysterion (Google it if you've never seen it)... the simple offset headlamp contrasts the two Ford mills and the round bubbletop canopy. Elegance and beauty by simply throwing the conception of balance a curve ball. The Orbitron took it a step further, pushing the concept with it's three primary-colored lamps on the right (which focused into one white beam), and the single headlamp on the left (and yet another mounted back near the passenger compartment)... The offseet cab of Mega Cycle really compounds the idea... I'm sure you get the picture...
I'm not looking to go as extreme as "Big Daddy" did, but I'm seeking more of a subtle asymmetry, a-la the A-Bros. My client on this project is super open-minded, and we're gobbling up ideas left and right, and while our minds are meeting in the middle, it's the designs that don't which are firing the creative juices late into the night... leg elevated and all...

Get a jump...
11 JUL 07- ...on a great project.
Our good friend and talented builder Tim Strange is seeking an interested party to become a part of custom lore. Dig it HERE...

Semi-formal...
9 JUL 07- ...has nothin' on this.
Each year, I'm honored to whip up some designs for builders in the industry, and especially stoked to create t-shirts. It means a lot when someone trusts you to create the art that will represent what they build, and it goes exponential when they just flat-out turn you loose to create something unique. This was one of those times, and the finished product is something I'm truly proud of:

It's not only a reflection of the quality to come from this particular shop (look for the logo version soon), but is representative of the quality work that I've been striving to create in the Studio over the past few months.
If you're looking for a custom work for your shirts, event, or just something killer to display in the office or garage, don't hesitate to give me a shout! I'd be more than happy to create something for you or your shop, too...

Soul...
3 JUL 07- ...is what leaves an indelible mark, pure and simple. Anything can have flash, and perhaps cause a few moments of infatuation, but something with substance creates that almost magical impression.
A discussion on the current state of the hobby brought up some interesting points, and hit a nerve in me last week. If you've met me, you know that hitting a nerve in me opens the flood gates, and usually begins a very long conversation or debate, and this was one of those instances. I feel very strongly about home-built cars, and am especially infatuated with them, and the stories that usually accompany such cars. They are the grass-roots, the real deal... the kind of cars that started it all. When I see an average guy with a home-built ride, I can identify with it, and in most cases, the stories, too. Granted, there's something almost magical in a high-end, uber-detailed chunk of rolling sculpture that can bring on inspiration, but it always falls just short of stirring the soul... Don't get me wrong, I'm astounded by, and am a fan of any car so well built and engineered that it can sweep a show series... Cars like this represent a far end of the spectrum, and serve to raise the bar. They are what Stevie Ray Vaughn or Eric Clapton are to the music world... They are the best, and an example of what we non-musically gifted folks can dream to become. It would be a rarity to see a great musician play live, and when you do, you savor they technique, the polish, and hope to emulate their flair, if even in some small way.
As an example, I present Rods' '55 Chevy:

We'll show more later, but dig on the total picture, and just soak up some of this photo. It's a home-built car with well-chosen parts, and will have a level of detail that is not only high on the scale, but rivals a big-name shop. It's the epitome of the point I'm illustrating here. It's not a wallet-draining, ego-driven, trendy, "hey, dig me! I built my car to follow a current style to the letter!" kind of ho-hum, cookie-cutter ride... It's a "how far can I push my abilities and build what I want" kind of car. No parts list that matches 1000 other cars (mini tubs, cowl hood, LSx motor, etc), but rather, a well-selected list of components to maximize the car's potential, and make it the most '55 Chevy that this particular '55 can be...
My point in the discussion, in summary, was that building a car for yourself, with help from friends and family is the most rewarding thing in the world. Granted, you'll have items to farm-out... maybe paint, upholstery, whatever... but in doing it at home, using help from within the home, you breathe a little bit of soul into the project, and that what it all boils down to, after all...

Get in, sit down...
28 JUN 07- ...just savor these killer seats and door panels. No talk, just look, and take in the craftsmanship:



...wasn't that nice...

Kinda like the Nuge...
23 JUN 07- ...in that they hail from the same state. OK, lame comparison. There's a lot of good things to come from Detroit, but none really warrant a proper side-by-side comparo when discussing what these guys do.
Chances are, you've heard the name before, probably from the Discovery Channel show "Biker Build-Off", or at any number of bike shows across the country... Their bikes have an unmistakable style that's part post-apocalypse, part futuristic, and pretty much all aggressive. Needless to say, I was stoked to have been contacted to create a new t-shirt for Dave and the boys:

I went with their building style, and decided upon a post-apacolypse style graffiti/poster look. I'm ecstatic with the outcome of the final piece, and glad that they like it, too! I have developed an even deeeper fascination and appreciation for their abilities, having drawn so many intricate and well thought-out details. (wait'll ya see 'em on black shirts!)
They're at the printer's now (the shirts... well, maybe the brothers, too, who knows), so look for them soon. Heck, get a few, and keep one nice for Sturgis...

Twenty five years...
21 JUN 07- ...is a long time in anyone's book. A lot can happen in that time, and, strangely enough, a lot can remain the same. It's been about 25 years since I sat, as a youngster flipping through a family friend's old stash of "little pages"... The earliest car mags I recall reading, like Hop Up, Honk!, Motor Guide, Motor Life... and especially Rod and Custom all opened the door to what eventually became my career. It was a history lesson, sitting there reading old magazine, looking over photos of hot rods and customs, and taking in styling cues like some might take in oxygen. It was like inhaling life itself.
I saw not only cars, but the works of great artists and designers, as well... Tom Medley, Tom Daniel, Ed Roth, Ed Newton... eventually on to contemporary greats like Stanford, Smith and Taylor... And all had an instant impact on me. My mind was set. "I want to do that. I want to draw cars."
Fast-forward to 1989, and the return of Rod and Custom Magazine, and I had embarked on a mission to have my work in there... one day I would.
Granted, it may not be a big deal to many, but I am ecstatic to have realized this goal, and have finally nailed down a couple of pages in the magazine that started me on this journey.

If you get a chance, check out the September issue of R-n-C, and share in the moment with me. Thanks, Kevin and Tim for the opportunity to realize that dream after twenty five years.
And thank you for putting up with my moment here...

Our deepest sympathy.
18 JUN 07- We'd like to expresss our condolences and sympathy to those affected by the tragedy this weekend in Selmer, Tennessee.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those unfortunate souls who lost their lives, their familes, and those injured in the mishap following the parade.

"The forbidden-ness of the place..."
13 JUN 07- ...is what made it "so compelling", Greg Noll once said of his decision to surf Waimea Bay, which, in November of '57 he conquered. Surfing there was considered a no-no of sorts, stemming from the death of Dickie Cross there in 1943, as well as the sacred ruins in Waimea Canyon, and a house that the locals presumed haunted... All signs of surfing the almost unexplored (at the time) North Shore seemed to have a big red slash through them. But on that fifth day of November, a drive was so great in the mind of one man, that he cast all superstition and fear aside, and rode some waves. He was quickly joined by Harry Church, Bing Copeland, Pat Curren, Mickey Munoz, and Mike Strange... six guys who spent three years trying to draw enough courage to surf there... And once they did, they became legends.
What's any of this have to do with building or designing hot rods?
Plenty.
I get inspiration from a wide range of sources, and always seek to implement the ideas I get from those sources into a design, or piece of art. Mr. Noll is one of the people on my list of great inspirations, as he was a true pioneer in his craft, whether riding waves, or creating the boards to do so. While I could go on for days about his contributions to the surf industry, I'd rather concentrate on those few opening words from this entry...
"The forbidden-ness of the place is what made it so compelling."
Has there ever been a better way to describe the feeling of taking a torch to a car with the intent of creating something unique?! I imagine the late Sam Barris, contemplating the first cuts on his Merc, or his Buick, for that matter... It was a visionary, bold move to drop the lid on either car, and yet, his decisions to do so spawned legend... and countless chopped tops to follow. Decades later, some in the hobby/industry still embrace this pioneering spirit with the battle cry of "dare to be different!", pushing the creative envelope just a bit further each time. It takes a big ol' pair of stones to carve into something different, something not considered mainstream, and really have at it. Of course, it also takes "doing it well" to be successful.
I recently penned a design for Popular Hot Rodding that embodies this approach, taking a relatively forrgotten and over-looked car, and just "having at it", bringing in influences from all over the place... and it was cathartic, man. "You don't do one of THOSE..." I was told... Which only fueled the fire, as such challenges often will in those with a creative bent. I finished the roughs for the car, and began to think of even more rides off of the beaten path. I'm not saying that drawing this car even compared to riding Wiamea for the first time, but the excitement of taking a direction with it (that I've sat on for years) that is fresh sure packed, metaphorically, anyway, the anticipation of paddling out.
I guess that it all just comes down to finding inspiration in unique places, and then summoning the courage to apply it properly. Not to mention boldly crashing though some previosuly closed doors along the way...

Storage space ...
05 JUN 07- ...wasn't the only reason Tom chose a wagon as his project, but it's certainly been an asset. I wanted to congratulate Tom here on his success with the car, and it's more than deserved. It's an over-looked body style (being a Buick alone makes it a rarity, and being a wagon only adds to its charm) that competes in a custom class, encompassing '49 and later customs... stiff competition from many genres of the hobby. On his second outing, show-wise, the spiffy Buick has cleaned house again, and scooped up more gold...

Granted, that's not why he built the car... It was built to enjoy. You have to admit, though, when others appreciate your vision and hard work, it just makes it so much sweeter. "I have had so many people take pictures of the wagon today and tell me they always thought of doing a wagon like this," Tom said, "but never got around to it." The car has that "why didn't I think of that?" appeal, and I did the same thing when Tom approached me over a year ago for some renderings and input. I was stoked to offer my ideas, and we both agreed that the car should remain easy on the eyes, and rely on it's naturally flowing lines, not just some trendy giant wheels, "clone" or "tribute" car concept or other gimmicks so common today. Rather, it's about making the most of what was already there, and throwing some phantom body-style into the mix. It's proof that a good plan breeds success.
You can check out the project highlights and background HERE, and stay tuned for more on the V6 (by T/A Performance), T-5 equipped cruiser soon. For now, look for it where it was built to be, on the streets...

"If life were fair..."
31 MAY 07- ...Johnny Carson once said, "...Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
It's a pretty deep thought. It's a fitting one, too, as originality seems to be a dying art at times. I fell into a creative funk recently, and began to look at a late crop of cars, and thought "wow... another car on a set of aftermarket rims. How progresssive." (keep in mind that the cars in question were presented as some "Hot, new!" and "ground-breaking!" rides, and a few were flowing from my pen, seemingly keeping the envelope flat and tidy -- no pushing allowed!) It appeared, during that spell, that true automotive personalization was dead... That, just maybe, we had gotten to a stagnant point in the hobby where every car had to adhere to some set of rules to be "cool"... it was high school all over again, oh no! And just when I thought it was, along came a brilliantly conceived idea, and I'm honored to take part in the design process. Suffice to say, a client approached me with his genius take on a truck, and it's lit a fire, so to speak... In fact, that fire spread quickly to a new piece for a magazine, that I knocked out in record time... (not a truck, but an over-looked car that suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks) The drive was back, and with a fury... My eyes were opened to a whole new set of possibilities... it was like re-discovering cars. I dug through my notebooks and sketchbooks, and began reviewing them with a newfound purpose. I have set out on a journey, the road paved with unique cars, and seemingly endless possibilities.
Talk about timing, too... This past weekend, we took in the "Curves of Steel" exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum, which, despite its small size, packed an unexpected punch. (I'll detail this later in an article-- look for the link soon) It was a great time, just taking in some design work from true masters. Classic forms, many mixed with function light years ahead of their time, all leading to one thought in my mind: I love what I do. I create, literally, passion on paper. It's not a job, it's creation of passion. It's taking an idea and running with it. It's not something you wake up one day and say "I'm going to design custom cars." It chooses you, and while it makes you work at it endlessly, it gives back a million times over in satisfaction. Simply put:
If I were approached to design a hot rod, custom, pro-touring ride, whatever, I'd want to bring out every aspect of the car's potential, and tie it with the owner's personality, not just create another ho-hum car that wears the right "uniform" for its genre. Granted, certain ideas work well, and have an established following... an early generation Mustang or Chevelle, for example, on 18's and 19's and sitting low looks good, it's a given. However, simply adhering to one look closes so many doors, creatively speaking, that you rob yourself of exploring the car's full potential. It's far too easy to just plug in a formula to achieve a certain look... Of course, there are always budget constraints and whatnot, but this is where careful, creative planning in the earliest stages can make any car into a unique, personal statement.
Obviously, if you like a style of car, you should go for it... I'd never suggest change for the sake of change. Don't just plop a heap of "different"" on top of an over-used motif just to stand out... To stretch the metaphor, if a singing impersonator is good, a fire-eating, sword-swallowing, contorsionist skydiving crooner may not always breed better results. Break the formula where you can, and stretch your imagination, but keep good taste in mind. All it really boils down to is that if all cars were built using the "formula method", every car would simply mimic another, and, in effect, be just another Elvis impersonator. And that's just not fair...

It's traditional...
23 MAY 07- ...to haze the new guy, and especially the younger guys, no matter what culture. The process of crushing spirit, or seeing what the new kid "is made of" are time-honored traditions in all aspects of life, and nowhere is it more prevalent than in garages all over the world. Be it some kidding around during a bench racing session, or general goofing on someone while wrenching on a project, the jokes, name-calling and whatnot all serve a purpose: They set the pecking order in the group, and often initiate the younger guys into the group.
I got to thinking about this most important part of our great hobby /industry/lifestyle lately, and realized just what great memories it left behind... times in the garage that incite hours-long conversations, with subject changes that most often begin with "remember that time...". And you know, it was during the times I was on the receiving end of a good verbal thrashing that I learned a lot. I learned to be more careful... to pay closer attention to details, to come up with a comeback, and damn quick... Generally, I learned to think on my feet. Funny how years of school can be surpasssed in some ways by a few hours in a garage. Combine that AND a formal education, and you have some wicked tools in your arsenal.
The messing around in the shop or garage serve to build confidence and self-esteem, and most importantly, to motivate. When I was a punk little 15 year old, we were putting my Chevelle together,

and there was always that air of comraderie. Granted, the car started off as a pile, and my young dreams far surpassed what the car (and my budget) would support, but there was always a TON of help, and support, both serious, and tongue-in-cheek...

and all came together to make me a cynical, sarcastic...oh, hang on, I mean a "better person". Yeah, the car came out pretty slick for what it was,

and lit a serious fire in me. It also taught me values that I pass on to my kids every day, like hard work, dedication, and the ability to take a joke as well as dish it out.
Point is, get your kid in the garage, out to a show, cruise, whatever... It's not just keeping the hobby alive, it's passing down tradition ....

Shirts and prints...
20 MAY 07- ...are proving to be popular, and our "GasMas Day" sale has been shown a lot of love, so we'll stretch it out a bit yet. That's right, the $3.00 off of every shirt we offer will remain in effect 'till who-knows-when. It's tough enough filling the tank, and when you're trying to look good doing it, too, well.... I understand. In the event you haven't seen 'em yet, CLICK HERE, and be magically whisked away to a land of retinal delights (apologies to Rob't. Williams), and big savings. Hell, use the old "the more I buy, the more I save!" logic, and enjoy...

Material excess...
15 May 07- ...seems about the right term for what I've been collecting for some ongoing and future works. As I work through the projects that are on the board (thanks everyone for your gracious support and continued faith in my abilities!), my mind has been on the more traditional artwork that I've set to the side for a while as I play catch-up, and I've made it a point to collect some really neat stuff to use in those works. Needless to say, beware of some sculptural and painted works to emerge from the studio over the Summer, as I've been having withdrawls from the more tactile arts.
I've always enjoyed the "hands-on" approach with art, and it's not really too far off from my automotive fixations, either. Both are creative outlets, and when using your hands to create, it brings out an almost primal creative beast from within. Granted, I've always taken a more organic approach to the digital work, prefering to pencil-rough all work, and then work from scanned copy of it, preserving some of the rougher line weights and whatnot, but nothing beats the release of hammering some nails into wood...
Speaking of hands-on, Kevin's been hard at work lately on his T-Bird, and sent a few sneak peeks at the fresh motor:

...which is nestled into the sanitary engine compartment. This car is going to be super-clean, and is remarkable... even more so when you consider that it's his FIRST project car!
Jeff also gave us a sneak peek at the mighty Olds,sporting some serious new breathing hardware:

...soon to have the chassis and body back together again...
In any event, it's progress like this that gets me pumped up even more to get working... Hope it does the same for you...

Giving me gas...
07 MAY 07- ...would be a grand gift idea this coming holiday season. I'm sure you've heard a lot about the prices already (not to mention dealt with them), so we'll keep it short here, but I need to vent (wow, a gas cap reference) a bit. After all, weren't we assured that gas prices wouldn't reach three dollars? Yup, and earlier, that two dollars would have been a stretch... Unreal. Top that with these internet plots to have a day when nobody buys gas, well, it just won't work. You'll either have to fill up a day or two before, or a day or two after, and that's no good, really. It doesn't work in the favor of the consumer. In our own procative way, we're gonna do something.
To help out in some small way here at the Studio del Problem Child: Let us buy you a gallon of gas. How's that? In the face of greedy oil companies, PCK Studio, a small, independent business, is going to cut prices on our tees for a limited time by $3.00. Logic is, somebody's gotta give a break, and well, why the hell not us. We're thinking that, since we design hot rods, and you guys drive 'em, why not make it more fun on the driving side, by lightening the worries of filling up? So, it's like Christmas in May or something... "Gasmas". That's what we'll call it. Add to that, we'll even release a limited supply of the 2007 World Domination or Bust tees, also at a Gasmas discount... it's our Gasmas Day sale, on for a limited time. And hey, thanks for the support, everyone, now get out there and enjoy your ride for a few miles, and sporting some cool threads...

Thinking and driving...
01 MAY 07- ...with a BIC (Big Idea Count) of about 9.9 is always a blast. I like to look around at other cars in traffic on my daily errands, and am always looking for a new way to use an existing lamp assembly, handle, piece of trim, whatever. I know that all designers do this, and I revel in the moments not only in traffic, but in a retail store as well. It might be something as simple as the shape of a product, or maybe the edge trim on a product shelf that inspires something in me.
Furniture stores are always a great source of this as well... Granted, a place like IKEA is fantastic for quirky inspiration, and especially trying some different shapes and colors with one another, and it's a blast to be in a surrounding other than the studio, far from the safe confines of one's personal "idea bubble". Being in a neutral environment with one's creative thoughts, in my opinion anyway, often breeds a new outlook on a project.
It goes without saying, as well, that a trip to the local wrecking yard puts my brain into overload, especially after a furniture store or museum trip. Sketchbook and camera in hand, I'm, seeking to document the thoughts that flow from existing articles, and always reaching to find new ways to combine or alter these, and either enhance a current project, or jump-start the next. As a big fan of cruising new car lots as well, sometimes a fifteen minute outing becomes an all-day affair.
In any event, I've always been a fan of the art of glass sculpture, and lately, I've been applying this fascination to some work, with astounding results. As things get underway, I'll share some of the concepts here, and hopefully, you'll enjoy them as much as I do. It's been fun to just cut loose with a new client, and someone with such a different design background makes it just that much more fun. Best part has been that it's all coming in at the perfect time, with my late thoughts of "what more can be done on four wheels to really push things?", I've found my answer, and it's "plenty"....

Dyno-MIGHT...
25 APR 07- ...with extra emphasis on the "might" part, in case you missed it somehow...

Congrats, Mike, on your record-setting dyno pull at Mopars at the Strip, as a part of the DynoMax Power to the Wheels Dyno Tour 2007! Hopefully we'll get to see you at SEMA!
I first became aware of Mike's '65 Chrysler 300 through our good friend Jeff, and was amazed by the story behind the car, and have been blown away since by Mike's character, and the incredible power his 300 makes, too! This is one of those "had the car since high school" stories that makes you wish you either hung on to that one car, or could get it back. It wears the original black paint yet, giving it extra style points in our book, and, by sheer virtue of being a '65 300, well, it's a favorite!The ProCharged 440 is just icing on the cake, and makes it a street terror... the perfect balance of style, luxury, and go-fast fun!

Anyway, you can check out the video of Mike's national record-holding pull here, and catch a glimpse of his killer ride! Best wishes this coming week, Mike, we'll be keeping you in our thoughts, man....

Dooz n' donut's...
24 APR 07- ...and coffee, too. Got into a great conversation with a friend recently over a few donuts and some coffee, and talk turned to historical cars that offer inspiration from a variety of standpoints.
As you may already know, I have a deep fascination with all things Ferrari. The sheer elegance of design, combined with the amazing heritage and utter lust for performance that these machines elicit in one's mind... hell, one's soul, even, is the stuff of legend. Yet, surprisingly, for a guy who talks a lot, I've never touched on another great car to come from not Italy (although we'll touch on that later), but from right here in the US, the mighty Duesenberg.
How can one deny the sheer excitement of any of the company's offerings? Hell, even the history of the marque is filled with the stuff of legend. Two brothers, both self-taught engineers (think about it, isn't every hot rodder somewhat of a self-taught engineer?) set out to build sports cars. August and Fred built cars in the '20's that had features you might find on today's cars: four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, and even juice brakes!
Anyway, the history of the marque is readily available with some minimal research skills, so we won't waste time on chronology here. What interested me most about the Brothers Duesenberg, was their use of superchargers and other go-fast goodies that seems, well, kind of strange, given the years in question. We're talking cars in the late '20's that had 140 MPH capability! An American, coach-built car (hell, by the time a wealthy owner got done, these things weighed tons!) that could run 0-60 times in roughly eight seconds! Again, that's PRE-1930! If that's not engineering and hot rodding at its finest, well, grab some stronger coffee, sir, and wake up.
Moving along, an interesting point was brought up regarding the partnership of one Virgil Exner and Fritz Duesenberg (son of August) on the Stutz Bearcat.... here was the prime example of Chrysler design, working with the heir of the genius that was Duesenberg. Sadly, this was a doomed marque (but sure made creative use of domestic offerings from Delta 88's to Grand Prix's!) One begins to wonder what may have been, had this partnership been at a more opportune time. In a way, there's a lot of inspiration to be found in there.... the use of existing, perhaps not-so-inspirational cars to begin with, to create a coach-built car with performance, all while giving a nod to this golden age...
We're in an age now (in the hot rodding hobby) where we have talented builders following in this path, and creating incredible cars from almost nothing, and while it's exciting to witness, it just seems altogether more interesting when compared to a historical reference point, and one draws out some inspiration from two brothers who simply wanted to build fast cars ....

Winging it...
21 APR 07- ...literally and figuratively. I recently did a piece for Truckin' Magazine that has generated a HUGE, positive response, and I wanted to say "thank you" for that. I had been asked to whip up a couple of designs, and decided that I'd go late-model on one, with a new Bronco concept, and then take a more radical approach with a classic, and tear into an A-100, and create what amounted to a full-size die-cast car. That mighty A-100

had been in my mind for years, and it's seen changes, as my tastes have "matured" (?), going from a straight-axled mauler on mags, to a slammed and customized, sleeker version, but always retaining that over-the-top attitude that seems to work so damn well on the little Dodge.
Anyhow, my point in doing these two trucks was to show that anything can be inspirational, and that almost any platform, new or old, holds potential. Granted, I'm not expecting someone to head on out and build either of these exactly as drawn... but, rather to maybe take some inspiration from the ideas presented, and create something based on them, or something even wilder.
The Bronco concept holds particular favor in my mind,

as it's a late-model beast that looks concept-car-ish, but could be done using a couple of donor vehicles, and the talents of some friends in the collision industry (fixing, not causing). I've discussed this machine with builder friends, and all agree that it's a plausible idea with serious potential. In my opinion (whatever it's worth), this machine would add some serious variety to a market flooded with blinged-out soccer mom SUV's. After all, it's tiring to see the same old truck on 20+ inch rims, and a mesh grille. This one pushes the envelope, and makes more than judicious use of the performance market, and backs up the agressive style and historical nod

with blazing acceleration and great handling, while still maintaining some great defree of convenience. Thanks again for the support on these, and the great feedback. They were fun projects to envision, and hopefully, they'll be the spark that sets a project in motion! (If you decide to go for it on one of these, please, let me know! I'd love to see it come together!)
Until next time ....

Prints...
17 APR 07- ...have been a big request lately, and I'm working on releasing a series of new stuff. In the works are some poster prints of original designs, posters of the t-shirt prints (lots of requests for those, and they'll be available both with and without the Disturbingly Kool moniker), as well as a run of limited edition giclee prints, so that you can add to your art collection with some fine art, archival-quality canvas works! I'm particularly stoked about this last offering, as it's incredible to see the work on canvas, and really has an impact (especially when it's approximately four feet by five feet! Stay tuned as things progress, and I add prints to the online shop....

Radical, man...
12 APR 07- ...and I mean that in the sense that it's the name of the column in the magazine. Head on out, and grab a copy of the latest Truckin' Magazine (No.6), and there's my work, ready to greet you on page 32, with open arms, and a blown Hemi, and a new slant on a Bronco concept!
Just wanted to drop a "thank you" to Mark at the magazine for throwing the opportunity my way, and for letting me cut loose with a couple of wild concepts... It was a blast, and I'm looking forward to another project with the folks there soon, so stay tuned!
Beyond that, it's been business as usual, and we have a new shipment of shirts ready to go (thanks to all for your patience during "Backorder Week", and a big thanks to all for your support and positive feedback on the new line!) Gonna get back at it here, and I'll have a new project feature for you in a few days...

Three big awards...
9 APR 07- ...one absolutely cool car... Kevin and Karen Alstott's beautiful '35 Ford roadster bagged the Goodguy's 2007 Street Rod d'Elegance Award at Del Mar last Sunday, placing it in the history books as only one of two cars to win the Don Ridler Memorial, America's Most Beautiful Roadster, and the Street Rod d'Elegance.... all in a row. Proof positive of the talent, skill, and creativity of Roger Burman and crew at Lakeside Rods and Rides. If you're a regular here, you already know my fascination with the incredible interior work on this car by Tracy and Jim at Recovery Room Hot Rod Interiors (check it out here, and you'll know why I love this interior!). Our sincerest congratulations go out to the Alstott's, and everyone involved in the project!
(Interesting to note, also, that Marcel DeLay, the man responsible for hand-forming the body on the amazing roadster, was inducted into The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame this year, making it a great year for all involved.)
After seeing what this crew is capable of, we're excited to see what comes next...

The cobbler's kids...
5 APR 07- ...always seem to go either without shoes, or have the ones in the worst state of repair, or so the old saying goes. That's been true around the Studio for quite some time, as I've been fortunate to have drawn up some killer designs for for some great people, and worked to help make clients' dreams into reality, by assisting in putting their thoughts and dreams on paper. This past month, a long talk with the fairer half brought this point to a frothy head, and we have begun moving forward on OUR project.... something I originally penned up back in high school, and began plotting a few years back in extreme technical detail. Thus, with a willing Nova donor car and some serious metal fabrication ahead of us, I present to you project Panther X/28:

Part Nova, part Camaro, the best of two worlds, all mixed up like some therapeutic slushy, able to eliminate daily stress in one mash of the go-pedal. We've cosen a very talented builder to assist in handling the fabrication, and are more than confident in his abilitites as we move forward.
With a few well-known Novas being built right now, it just seemed the right time to take it from paper to asphalt, and we have been told numerous times that the idea is just too good to leave sitting dormant... Let's hope they were right! Stay tuned as things get rolling...

When in Modena...
3 APR 07- ...or Turin, Milan, or Huntington Beach, for that matter...
I got to sit down for about three seconds this morning, and my mind drifted along, landing for a bit on one of my favorite subjects: Ferrari. I have an almost unhealthy fascination with the cars (dream big, right?), namely, the furious pursuit of the brand's founding father, Enzo. The guy obviously oozed coolness (hell, even the first name of the company, "Auto Avio Costruzioni" sounds slick). The man is a testiment to keeping a vision, and forging ahead.
Consider the dry times in F-1, the intervention of a World War... Hell, here was a guy who, in his first foray into Grand Prix racing in '48, finished third! A man with a dream to build his own car, and he became a household name.
I'm thinking a lot about this, as the first production Hemisfear Coupe was sold over the weekend. It seems as though, in some small way, that the master Foose has an intertwined destiny. Granted, we're comparing apples and oranges in some respects, yet, with the friendly, approachable demeanor of Sir Chip, it makes the dream seem even that much more attainable.
Two car guys, each following a dream, and creating cars that smack you upside the head for a variety of reasons... Great inspiration from two decidedly different locales, both proving that hard work can equal great success. In any event, I'm gonna get back at it, and just thought I'd share my thoughts...

Taking the CAB...
2 APR 07- ...or at least drawing his coupe.
I have had the good fortune to meet a hero of mine, and even better, to witness his reaction to a piece of art I was ecstatic to have created for him. Recently, I have made the acquaintance of a skateboarding legend, and all-around great human being. The guy is a dedicated traditional rodder, and just one of the most genuine, down-to-Earth people I've ever met. He had asked if I would create a rendering of his since-sold Model A coupe, and I am still floored about that... Anyway, I jumped at the chance, as his coupe has remained on my top ten list of favorite cars for some time, and probably will for all time. The coupe has it all: Great stance, great color, and that incredible sixties style that, in my opinion, anyway, represents the pinnacle of great hot rod design. It's aggressive, a bit showy, and clean.
As I began drawing the coupe, I found subtle details that I had never noticed before, and began incorporating them into the final work, while trying to keep the energy and overall feeling I get from this car into the art. Check it out:

I threw in some symbolic imagery, but wanted to keep the focus on his great ride, and am still stoked by his reaction to what I created.
I guess that what I'm getting at here is that I'm more than thankful to have met CAB, and always thankful that my choice to ignore High School guidance counselors