BASF Announces 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment Winner

BASF Announces 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle Winner

Introduced in 2012, the experiment is Detroit’s first-ever “Fight Club of Design,” an underground automotive industry event developed to identify emerging design talent.

Omar Gonzalez’s second round sketch featuring BASF Fresh Mint, 150 anniversary color from Asia Pacific.
Omar Gonzalez’s second round sketch featuring BASF Fresh Mint, 150th anniversary color from Asia Pacific.

BASF announced that Omar Gonzalez won the 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment, presented by BASF. Introduced in 2012, the experiment is Detroit’s first-ever “Fight Club of Design,” an underground automotive industry event developed to identify emerging design talent.

The event coincides with the Detroit Auto Show, and is an automotive sketching competition where contestants battle for the championship. Fourteen contestants competed under pressure in front of an audience in a timed, three-round, boxing-themed setting.

“Sketchbattle is an amazing event that enables emerging industry talent to shine,” said Paul Czornij, technical manager for the BASF Color Excellence Group and Sketchbattle judge. “These artists and designers are the future of the automotive industry.”

The 14 design competitors sketch at a table surrounded by hundreds of onlookers during the 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle presented by BASF.
The 14 design competitors sketch at a table surrounded by hundreds of onlookers during the 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle presented by BASF.

Other judges included: Ralph Gilles, head of design, FCA – Global; Bregt Ectors, global strategic design manager, Buick; and Kemal Curic, design manager, Ford Mustang.

“It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had, and I was extremely impressed by the audience and judges,” said Gonzalez, a native of Mexico who recently graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL) in Monterrey, Mexico, in the Industrial Design program. “It was a pleasure to sketch live for all of them. Middlecott Sketchbattle is a great platform for young designers to make connections inside the automotive industry.”

To add interest to the competition, sketchers incorporated colors developed by the BASF automotive color excellence group to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary in 2015. Four colors were developed, one for each of BASF’s global regions: Arjean Silver for North America, Nightfall Blue for South America, Solaric Green for Europe and Fresh Mint for Asia-Pacific. A different color was used for each round of the competition.

“The use of BASF colors in this year’s competition presented the contestants with a unique design opportunity to convey their dreams in color in 30 minutes or less,” said Frank Schwartz, co-owner and partner, Middlecott Sketchbattle. “The anniversary colors brought the designers’ passions to the forefront, and the judges had a very difficult time choosing a winner, although Omar’s consistency throughout the evening helped bring him the award.”

2016 Sketchbattle winner, Omar Gonzalez, with his championship belt.
2016 Sketchbattle winner, Omar Gonzalez, with his championship belt.

 

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Deserving Las Vegas Family

The NABC, GEICO and Caliber Collision recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family.

The National Auto Body Council NABC), along with GEICO and Caliber Collision, recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family during the pre-race festivities of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The donation was made via the NABC's Recycled Rides program.

Auto Care Connect Conference Keynote Speakers Announced

The Auto Care Association announced its final lineup of keynote speakers for the 2024 Auto Care Connect event May 5-8 in Chicago, Ill., at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Early-Bird Registration Opens for CIECA CONNEX Conference

CONNEX 2024: “The Intersection of Data & Mobility” will be held Sept. 24-25, 2024 at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel in Detroit, Mich.

Speakers Announced for 2024 HD Repair Forum

Speakers will hail from companies like Peterbilt, MHC Kenworth, Rivian and the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

Registration Now Open for 2024 UK Garage and Bodyshop Event

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is set to return for its second edition June 5-6 at the National Exhibit Center in Birmingham, England.

Other Posts

Dent Wizard Hires New Senior VP of Strategic Growth & Development

Adrian Gonzalez will be charged with driving growth through mergers and acquisitions.

CCC Report Analyzes Labor Pressures, Vehicle Complexity

Report shows advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times.

Crash Champions Continues Steady Expansion Across Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, Idaho.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.