Sketchbattle is Epic Auto Design Showdown

An epic artistic encounter is about to go down as the best of the best in automotive design converge at the annual Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™.

Known as the Fight Club of design, this underground creative challenge and industry party blowout will have St. Andrew’s Hall jumping January 16, 2018. Boasting the perfect blend of artistic genius, innovative thinking and a bash that won’t stop, the event draws international and local automotive leaders annually to soak up the experience that is unlike anything else during auto show season.

The experience is the brainchild of Brook and Judith Banham of Middlecott Design and producer Frank Schwartz of Advanced Automotive Consulting Services. It was conceived to celebrate and elevate design as a competitive skill and talent on par with athletics. This, married with a definitive Motor City experience of great music, ingenuity, an avant garde spirit and infectious energy seemed the perfect way to give a taste of why Detroit is so captivating to the world.

“We wanted to create a way to truly bring love to Detroit and show why our city is the design capital of North America,“ said Brook Banham. “Bringing in industry legends of design and emerging talent from College for Creative Studies to show what their made of in this creative showdown was the perfect vehicle.”

Presented by BASF, designers participate in three 30-minute elimination round battles. Each round is sponsored and challenges are created by leading automotive companies Harman International, Lacks Enterprises and BASF. The winner of the final BASF round will be crowned the Sketchbattle champion. The victor receives a $2500 cash prize and the coveted Sketchbattle Championship Belt designed by Mobsteel.

“Sketchbattle makes it possible for emerging artists to energize the crowd with their creativity. It is truly a fun event, and BASF is excited to be the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row,” said. Paul Czornij, Head of BASF;s Automotive Color Design for North America. “It’s a great fit for BASF, since, as a leading company in automotive color design, we’ve long understood how the aesthetic and the technical come together to bring color to life.”

Attendees will be immersed in a feast for their senses. Emcee and “ring announcer” Terry Ayrault, Chief Creative Officer of the JRT Agency/CG Detroit will lead the night’s activities and set the stage for each round. The competition heats up as Satori Circus is the “referee” and distraction for the competitors. DJ Nemo Junglist will keep the crowd dancing all night long spinning Detroit jams. This is a must attend for anyone who loves Detroit, art, design, cars and a great party.

A suggested donation of $20 at the door is recommended. All proceeds will benefit Project Beautiful- Inside & Out. The foundation was formed by Doris Gilles and provides support and confidence for families and women in shelter situations in our community.

Additionally, the event will serve as the unveiling of Brook’s latest artistic creation. The Man in the City Truck for the Sauve Foundation. Sponsored by the JRT Agency and CG Detroit, the truck will provide renowned artist John Sauve with a vehicle to provide first-hand art and film programs to students throughout the region.

Now in its sixth year, the Detroit Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment has grown from a small, under the radar event to one of the most coveted, must attend parties of the year. As a result of its continued success, the team has taken the experience to Las Vegas for SEMA and Los Angeles for the LA Auto Show. This year plans are being finalized to expand to other significant auto shows including New York and internationally to China and Europe. Additionally, working in conjunction with CCS and other leading design schools, select students receive grants to travel and participate in the events around the world.

The event provides a unique opportunity for designers to showcase their work and gain exposure to potential future employers, rub elbows with industry legends and key in how their fellow designers think. This is especially valuable for the students who participate. A select number of advance tickets are available. To secure advance tickets click here. For more information click here or #MSBEXP across major social media channels.