In a conversation yesterday I was asked if it was rewarding for an instructor to see their students succeed. My answer was a resounding “YES”! What more can an instructor hope for than to have their students “get it”…to see the light bulb go off and the true understanding set in? Competitions are the true test of students’ hard work and understanding coming together. In my mind, to be involved in a design competition like the General Motors Student Design Competition is the ultimate test for students – recognition of this magnitude is not easy to come by!
For the past 6 years I have worked closely with General Motors to develop and mold a design competition that would challenge students from the International Academy of Design & Technology to think outside traditional forms of inspiration such as architecture, nature, color, history. The GM Student Design Competition does just that – to take inspiration from a car is quite a feat! This is a competition that excites, inspires and challenges the students to aspire to be one of the “chosen”. I’ve heard the excited whispers in the hallways, the nervous chatters when the competition is announced and the amazement of the students who are chosen.
Who knew that inspiration from the grill of the Hummer would inspire knee pads and arm covers on a futuristic ensemble? Or that a sheer overlay could represent continuous, fluid motion of the Saturn Astra? How about pockets that were designed to emulate the curve of the side windows of the Chevrolet Malibu? What about a neckline that emulates the flared fender and represents the freedom and confidence of the Pontiac G8? And the sleek, graceful, timeless and sophisticated garment silhouette that captures the perfect balance between modern and classic design of the Saab Turbo X?
It’s true! Take a look at sketches from the Imagine 2008 General Motors Design Competition and see for yourself!
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