|
Post by Robin on Sept 23, 2004 15:23:22 GMT -8
Hi, I spoke via e-mail to someone about possibly carrying out an apprenticeship in clay modelling from 'www.claymodeller.com' (are these the sam people?). I then proceeded to send out letters to companies within London, and surrounding areas but didnt receive any reply.
Does this mean that there are no opportunities for old-fashioned learning anymore as I think this would benefit me and the employer far more than solely getting a degree. Or could I have been unlucky in not have receiving replies due to lots of work and/or lost mail?
Not really a clay-modelling specific question but thanks for any help.
|
|
|
Post by sculptera on Sept 23, 2004 16:56:49 GMT -8
Robin,
The website you referred to is Steve Stringers company. He does offer training in clay modeling in the Texas area. What area are you from? I would also locate any local art schools that may offer training. The College For Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan offers a certification program in clay modeling as well, but you'll need to submit a portfolio and have relevant work experience to be accepted. Sometimes if you take clay training and are a match for potential employment, you can get hired right out of the training program. Best of Luck...
|
|
|
Post by Robin on Sept 24, 2004 5:39:12 GMT -8
I have just chekced up some bits and it may not have been the person from 'www.claymodeller.com' that I spoke too. He was a Brit moved out to the US, Steve Austin?
Anyway to clear things up I live in London, UK. There are places that I could take up clay modelling in London, though it wouldnt be car/transport specific, and it is also expensive (to me at least). The advantage of an apprenticeship is you earn a small amount, which is why I'm unable to attend University just yet, thought it seems I'll now just have to take up full time work and wait a year. I have no relevant experience apart from what i do in my own time.
Another thing iv noticed are there are two very similar message boards concerning clay modelling. Which one is the right to use?
Thanks, Robin.
|
|
|
Post by Steve Austin on Sept 24, 2004 7:13:25 GMT -8
Hi Robin, Yes there are two similar messages boards regardings clay modeling. This board generally deals in specific questions about clay modeling and the methods associated with hands on clay modeling. Here the majority of the posts relate to problem solving and I guess, distance learning to a certain degree. Jeff McGahey's site www.autoclaymodellersworld.com and his message board "claychat" deals with the social side of clay modeling. There you will find general discussion, photographs of past escapades, contact e-mails, studio addresses and more information that may be required for clay modelers who are working around the globe. It's the place to catch up on the latest news and chat with your friends. So the answer to your question is; this board for technical questions and Jeff's board for social issues. Steve A
|
|
AliG
New Member
Posts: 4
|
Post by AliG on Sept 24, 2004 8:00:45 GMT -8
Hi Robin I think that the key to finding a trainee position in design these days is to do plenty of preparation and be open minded as to how far from home you are prepared to move. Contact the person responsible for training in the companies you want to approach and ask them what their criteria is for a trainee as far as experience and qualifications are concerned. You may have to consider going overseas because training positions in the UK are definitely limited. Unfortunately car design is a very competitive demanding business to be in nowadays and car companies expect a very high standard of candidate so show as much enthusiasm as possible and ensure that you have a first class CV . Good Luck. Ali
|
|
|
Post by Robin on Sept 24, 2004 9:15:09 GMT -8
Oh well, i'll guess i'll go for the blitz approach sending letters and e-mails to all the companies I can.
What I was unsure of was whether there were actually trainee positions (i.e. someone qualified to pre-undegrad level) available within the industry at all. Can anyone clarify that for me? So therefore I dont have to study for a degree at Coventry etc? Obviously this assumes many un-accountable variables such as my drive/determination etc etc...
I'll try and have another go. Another problem though is the slow withdrawl of Ford subsiduaries from the UK. Will this/is it affecting the design/modelling departments of the Ford owned companies.
I'm only 18 as well so although re-location is an option it's not something I've even considered. I'll go away and have a think about that as it would be a big leap, whatever the rewards, as im sure you can imagine.
I would also like to specialise more (narrow my opportunities!) in the future as im a bit of a motorbike nut. Does anyone have any links about this or would it just be the same skills applied to fewer wheels as a simple way of describing it?
I realise alot of these things are based around my personal choices/decisions but any help is greatly appreciated.
|
|
AliG
New Member
Posts: 4
|
Post by AliG on Sept 24, 2004 9:46:57 GMT -8
Robin It's really hard to know what to suggest. Things have changed a lot in the car industry in recent years and the future is hard to predict. Different companies have different requirements. In the US where I currently work, sculptors are expected to either have relevant degrees or many years of experience. UK companies may be be more flexible. All you can do is ring and ask. If you don't bother to find out what they require from you then you won't get into the industry. I'm sorry to be blunt but that's the way it is. It is a tough business to be in no matter how glamorous the car magazines like to portray it but the rewards can be fulfilling.
At eighteen years old you should seriously consider training as a digital modeller. The traditional method of hand sculpting has been on the way out for years and although there is still a great deal of hand modelling work done, it's not the trade it used to be. At your age, digital is the only way to go and you will have more chance of finding a placement. As for moving away from home I personally had to move fifty miles away from my home to do my apprenticeship and that was twenty five years ago. It was financially difficult for me and I had no financial support from my family to fall back on either. Ultimately if you are really keen you will find a way to do it even if you have to get a second job like I did to pay my bills. The benefit was that I got to travel the world with my profession and be paid good money to do so.
Go for it. Ali
|
|
|
Post by Steve Austin on Sept 24, 2004 13:44:29 GMT -8
Robin, Research the web for sites such as this one; www.hondaresearch.com You may find that the UK or European branch may have similar websites. At least it will give you an insight to what is available. Steve A
|
|
|
Post by Dave Jaques on Sept 27, 2004 13:45:28 GMT -8
HI,
Unfortunately, because of the slow down in the industry at the moment, most small studios do not have the work load to accomodate apprentices and the large studios, like Ford, often promote through the ranks of the hard model shop.
However, if you are interested in using your hands, how about trying an industrial modelmaking course. There are two or three in the london area, and although they dont specialise in automotive or clay, they can give a good grounding and help develop skills that could become useful.
You never know, maybe special effects or product design may be the career for you.
|
|
|
Post by Robin on Sept 29, 2004 6:02:00 GMT -8
Is this slow down a blip or perhaps terminal? So are all you guys having to learn computer graphics (assuming you havent already) or finding your work is using computers more.
Will there still be a work area for this in the future or are you guys a dying breed?
Thanks for any help, Robin.
Yeah ive checked out product design, but film stuff doesnt appeal to me as much as helping to make something that actually gets used. Thanks for the tip though.
|
|
Seb
Full Member
Posts: 101
|
Post by Seb on Sept 29, 2004 10:24:26 GMT -8
Hey Robin, yesterday I've talked with the supplier of Renault and Peugeot/Citroen for styling clay. He said that in the design studios they are developing shapes a lot with clay .... and hand work. I was happy to hear that. It's really faster to shape an idea with your hands using clay and tools. Then, when they are satisfied with their work, they use computers systems. I think it's hard to get a job like that , but as said Steeve :" perfect the skill you never know where it will take you." Good luck Seb
|
|
|
Post by Master Modeler on Jul 8, 2005 12:39:15 GMT -8
Is this slow down a blip or perhaps terminal? So are all you guys having to learn computer graphics (assuming you havent already) or finding your work is using computers more. Will there still be a work area for this in the future or are you guys a dying breed? Thanks for any help, Robin. Yeah ive checked out product design, but film stuff doesnt appeal to me as much as helping to make something that actually gets used. Thanks for the tip though. There will always be work available for modelers, there will never be a replacement for the human hand. Im not sure why anybody would recommend taking up digital modeling rather then sculpting by hand?? Digital models are great to use as a starting point, but they will always look like they were done digitally after they are milled. If you have the eye & a pair of skilled hands - stick to sculpting, there will never be a shortage of digital modelers, but there is & always will be a shortage for skilled modelers!
|
|