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THE FIGHT CLUB
                OF DESIGN

The Middlecott Sketchbattle, the “Fight Club of Design” is more than a car design competition. It is an electrifying bi-annual live event based in the MotorCity, a networking opportunity with industry experts, and a celebration of Detroit’s automotive roots and boundless creative future. It’s an extraordinary platform for talented designers to showcase their skills and creativity. With prizes and industry recognition, participants can elevate their careers, gain invaluable exposure, and embark on an exciting artistic rivalry.

LIVE AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
     COMPETITION AND PARTY BLOWOUT

NEXT EVENT

UPCOMING EVENTS
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SKETCHBATTLE #21, DETROIT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023, 6-11PM

Michigan Central, Newlab
2050 15th St. Detroit, MI 48216
Newlab.com

 

 CONTESTANTS GET A FREE

DEADLINE TO APPLY:
MONDAY, 09/11, 11:59 PM ET

SKETCHBATTLE IS PART OF 

 Ticket for NAIAS 2023, Detroit Autoshow

 T-shirt, Middlecott Sketchbattle#21

• Mechanical pencil, rOtring 800

• HotWheels 1:64 scale toys

   

• Detroit Autoshow, NAIAS ’23  Technology Day

Detroit Month of Design, September 2023

• Benefitting: EyesOn Design 501(c)(3)​

RULES & AWARDS

SKETCHBATTLE #21 THEME:

Design the Ultimate Flying Muscle Car for a Sustainable Future

Introduction:

Craft the ultimate muscle car for 2050 that excels both on the ground and in the skies while aligning with the government's mandate to transition away from fossil fuels. As urban congestion peaks, the government has ushered in a new era of transportation by permitting Personal Air-Ground Vehicles (PAGVs) that run on alternative, sustainable fuels. These vehicles seamlessly merge the power and performance of a muscle car with the ability to take flight, offering an exhilarating and eco-conscious driving experience.

Design Vision:

Picture a vehicle that embodies the legacy of classic muscle cars while delivering exceptional speed and power on the ground and clean, sustainable flight in the sky. The objective is to create an iconic PAGV that redefines high-performance driving and flying while contributing to a greener future.

Key Features:

  • Muscle Car Performance: The PAGV should offer a muscle car's thrilling acceleration, speed, and handling while prioritizing alternative fuel sources for sustainability.

  • Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL): Incorporate VTOL technology for smooth transitions between ground and sky modes, using sustainable energy sources.

  • Sustainable Fuel: Implement advanced alternative fuel systems, such as hydrogen, electric, or biofuels, to reduce environmental impact and align with government mandates.

Color Theme:

The color theme for your flying muscle car design should be yellow and black in keeping with the aggressive nature of the vehicle brief

  • Thank you to Checker Detroit, our color theme sponsor and official ride-share service of Sketchbattle #21.

SKETCHBATTLE RULES AND AWARDS

COMPETITION RULES

Join 20 exceptional designers in their adrenaline-fueled quest for artistic brilliance. 
With timed cha
llenges, blank sheets, and hand-drawn sketches, raw talent is showcased.

Bring your own favorite tools including pens and colored paper in 11 x 17" format.  

We have white photocopy paper and a full range of Prismacolor pencils, markers and Sharpie products on hand for contestants.

 

Competition Rules:

• 3 rounds, 30 minutes each: Creativity races against the clock

• Blank sheet: Craft ignites from scratch on 11x17” paper 

• Hand-drawn and traditional tools: Pens, markers, brushes, and pencils bring visions to life

• No pre-made elements: Freehand ingenuity without underlays, CAD components, or backgrounds

• Industry judges: Luminaries evaluate creativity and execution in scores ranging from 1–10

THREE SKETCHBATTLE AWARDS

MIDDLECOTT SKETCHBATTLE CHAMPION

The Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion is chosen by a panel of esteemed designers from the automotive industry. The prestigious Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion title recognizes the participant’s exceptional talent and creativity with:

• Middlecott Sketchbattle Champion title belt by Mobsteel

Brazen Sport, Swiss-made watch with custom engraving

• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription

Parker 51

Rotring 800 with custom engraving

• Artwork by Brook

• Prizes from sponsors to be announced

DARBY JEAN AWARD

New to this year’s Sketchbattle, Middlecott proudly introduces the Darby Jean Award, named after the first female Champion in 2015. Now a Sketchbattle Advisor and Creative Exterior Designer at Chevrolet, Darby Jean Barber champions female-identifying talent in automotive design. This special recognition aims to empower female creatives and recognizes their exceptional skill and passion with:

• Diamond bracelet by Diamonds Direct valued at $3650 link

• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription

Rotring 800 mechanical pencil with custom engraving

• Artwork by Brook
• Mentorship and support:
personalized one-year mentorship as a stepping stone for aspiring female designers, opening doors to new opportunities and visibility within the industry.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

The People’s Choice Award allows audiences to engage actively in the event and vote for their favorite sketch. The People’s Choice triumph comes with:

• Prizes from sponsors to be announced

• Lifetime VIZCOM Pro subscription

Rotring 800 with custom engraving

• Artwork by Brook

 PAST & PRESENT PARTNERS

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PARTNERS
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