BOOKS review

One of the many questions I am frequently asked by e-mail is what car design tutorial books I recommend. Although by no means a definitive list, the books that follow are some of the ones that have made it to my own personal collection. Featuring old and new books alike, and now even one that contains tutorials that I have written, they have proved a useful resource over the years. The reviews that follow, although brief, should give you a short summary of how I have felt the books have proved useful to me.

All the books here can be sourced from many of the online book retailers with the exception of Design Sketching which can be sourced from designsketching.com

WEBSITE CREATOR AND EDITOR, Allan Macdonald

PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
DICK POWELL

Most aspiring designers are probably familiar with this book, and for good reason. Although old (it was first published in 1985) and for obvious reasons devoid of information on modern rendering software, the book gives one of the most in depth looks at almost every other aspect of design illustration and rendering available. Primarily aimed at product designers, us car designers will still find a wealth of information on perspective, colouring, presentations and materials. Most of this information still being relevant even if most of your work is done on screen.

HOW TO DESIGN CARS LIKE A PRO
TONY LEWIN

Although featuring some tutorials (including some written by the editor of this site), this books value comes from its wide ranging look at the car design world. Read the thoughts of top design chiefs as well as study the typical working day of a senior Jaguar designer. Subjects also include a look at world changing concept cars as well as a look at the 50 greatest designs and designers. If you want a book that will give a complete flavour of the car design world then this is probably the book for you.

DESIGN SKETCHING
ERIK OLOFSSON and KLARA SJÖLEN

Written by students of one of the worlds leading design schools this book is filled cover to cover with tutorials. The tutorials have been contributed by students of both automotive and product design and as such many different styles and techniques are showcased. If you are looking for a book that simply gets straight down to showing how to sketch then this is definitely the book for you.

HOW TO DRAW CARS LIKE A PRO
THOM TAYLOR with LISA HALLETT

This book covers most topics including proportion, perspective and colour theory. Whilst not as slick as some of the titles above, the book is easy to grasp, and explains things in a very simple manner. The section on perspective and lighting theory standing out for particular praise. Also separating this book is its large section on drawing cartoon style cars. Altogether this book is an easy entertaining read and worth a look.

HOW TO DRAW CARS THE HOTWHEELS WAY
SCOTT ROBERTSON with the Hotwheels designers

Sharing the same publisher as How to Draw Cars like a Pro, this book also benefits from a simple easy to read style. As the title suggests the book takes a look at the very specific subject of Hotwheels style sketching and rendering. The information and skills taught are still relevant however, and this book would make an interesting addition to any collection.

The Art STAR WARS
MARK COTTA VAZ

If you are looking for a book to inspire and motivate you then any of the Star Wars art books will oblige. Although obviously the book contains no tutorials, and has little in the way of transport design (unless you count space ships) the work inside will definitely have you reaching for a pen and some paper. Once you have become fully frustrated trying to emulate the art inside the book it is also an excellent coffee table piece.

CONCEPT DESIGN
H.BELKER, S.BURG, J.CLYNE, M.GOERNER, N.PAGE, N.PUGH, S.ROBERTSON

This book is one of my personal favourites and has proved to be a huge inspiration. Inside you will find no tutorials, but you will find a diverse collection of artwork from the seven authors. This includes a fair amount of transport orientated design and sketching, ensuring you will find something of interest. As with the Star Wars books, Concept Design will also make a fine addition to any coffee table.