Car Design News April Focus: Sketching

Sketching has long been the lifeblood of automotive design. It’s what an espresso is to an Italian morning – essential, energising and impossible to replace.

The simple act of putting pen to paper (or stylus to screen) is where ideas first take shape – sometimes as a spontaneous burst of inspiration on the back of a napkin, other times as a meticulously developed theme.

Take Giorgetto Giugiaro’s early sketches of the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, where a few confident strokes defined the sharp hatchback that would go on to shape an entire segment. Or the legendary Marcello Gandini’s hand-drawn blueprint of the Lamborghini Countach with its radical wedge proportions (see banner image).

But as we step further into the digital age, what does sketching mean for car design today? And how is its role evolving in an industry increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, digital sculpting, and generative design tools?

Throughout April, Car Design News will explore the enduring importance of sketching in automotive design, posing critical questions about its place in an industry experiencing rapid technological transformation, like how does sketching fit into the design process today, and what role does it play compared to digital tools.

Once the primary method for ideation, hand sketching now coexists with a host of digital alternatives. While some argue that the immediacy and personal touch of a hand-drawn sketch remain irreplaceable, others point to digital sketching as an essential evolution – offering speed, flexibility, and seamless integration with 3D modelling software.

With this technology emerging at an accelerated pace, will the fundamental skill of hand sketching fade into the background, or does it still hold unique value in the creative process?

Another major shift in recent years is accessibility. AI-fuelled design software has made sketching available to a wider audience than ever before, allowing aspiring designers to refine their craft without the traditional barriers of formal education or even drawing skills. But has technology truly democratised sketching, and is this inherently a positive change?

Of course, sketching is about more than just generating ideas – it’s about communication. A great car design sketch distils complex concepts into a simple, striking image that resonates with fellow designers, engineers and decision-makers. Take the popular Middlecott Sketch Battle in Detroit that attracts up and coming design talent year after year for example.

But what makes a sketch truly great? Is it the energy of a loose, expressive line? The precision of a carefully rendered perspective? Or is it the way it conveys a vision so clearly that the viewer can already see the final car taking shape?

Looking ahead, how will sketching evolve in the next decade? Will pen and paper continue to play a central role or will advancements in digital tools – perhaps even virtual reality – redefine the way designers create? As new technologies continue to reshape the industry, how will the next generation of designers balance tradition with innovation?

This month, Car Design News will delve into these questions with insights from leading designers and the next generation of design. Through exclusive interviews and an in-depth anchor feature, we will explore how sketching remains an essential skill, even in an era of AI-driven design tools.

Stay tuned as we uncover what sketching means today – and what it will mean for the future of car design.