Professional Automotive Modeling Diploma
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2010 semester. Classes begin early September.
Learn the art of automotive clay modeling while learning from professionals in the industry. Students will learn how to translate design concepts into 3D models using traditional materials as well as computer aided design software, and milling equipment. If you are looking for a promotion or are thinking about a career change, this program will teach you one of the most revered skills in the industry.
Students applying to the diploma program must have skills in any of the following areas: auto body repair, drafting, artistic drawing, mechanical drawing, mechanics, model-building, model-making, artistic painting, sculpting, ceramics or woodworking. You will need to show proof of high school graduation or GED, we encourage you to submit work samples and letters of recommendation. A limited number of spaces are available each fall semester.
This 18-credit program requires six (6), 3.0 credit courses that is to be completed in three (3) semesters of part-time evening and weekend study. Students are required to attend two courses per term in the following sequence.
Admission Requirements
- Basic art or design skills
- Basic writing skills
- An academic transcript or a copy of your high school diploma.
- Applications will not be processed until either of the above is received. Transcripts can be attached as a PDF or jpeg file to your on-line application, faxed to 313-664-1536 or mailed to CCS Continuing Education 201 E. Kirby St. Detroit, MI 48202
- The course AVIS 362 Alias Studio Tools is a required prerequisite
Applicants can have the requirement waived through the review of a portfolio of their work or if they can demonstrate that he/she has successfully completed a college-level digital Alias course
Financial Aid
Students who are admitted to the Professional Automotive Modeling Diploma program may qualify for need-based aid from the federal and/or state government. Complete the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and indicate the College for Creative Studies (Title IV code 006771) as your school of choice. If you need help or have questions while completing the FAFSA, please contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800.433.3243 or the CCS financial aid office at 313.664.7495. Students need to be enrolled in at least six credits each semester to qualify for aid
Professional Automotive Modeling Diploma Curriculum:
Recommended pre-requisite:
AVIS 362 Alias Studio Tools 2008
PPAM 256 X: Clay Modeling I
Students will be introduced to, and taught proper use of clay modeling materials and
tools. Students will work from sketches they create as templates for forms they will
reproduce in clay. Proper studio etiquette will also be discussed.
PPAM 257 X: 3D Modeling and Rendering I
Students will enter this course with some prior knowledge of Alias software. Students
will be required to continue to master the various software tools. Students will re-createtheir clay wheel digitally, and will be introduced to working with raw data for an existing transport vehicle. Assignments relating to their clay wheel will provide students insight to a Digital Modeler’s role when they are working from a clay source, i.e. being required to make modifications to their existing wheel design digitally. Changes made in the digital format will help students understand how those modifications affect the clay model, as would be required in an industry setting. Students will not make modifications to clay wheels in the classroom. Students should be required/encouraged to make modifications to the model outside of class, at home, and to document modifications through photos, drawings and printouts for use in their final portfolio outside of class.
PPAM 366 X: Clay Modeling II
Using techniques already learned in semester one, and with additional training in
methods and techniques, students will create one-half of a 1/5 scale automobile against a mirror. Students will select from one of two armatures and car forms that are
predetermined by the instructor and technician. The uniformity of the assignments will allow for instructors to better identify student progress, while also removing a potential source of distraction, i.e. the students’ impulse to create a unique design. Students will better understand the real-world role of the 3D modeler. Students will work from sketches and will be required to create their own orthographic drawings based on the two designs provided by the instructor. A designer will be invited in to view the work and assign modifications to each student which they will then be required to apply to their model. The designer will work along side the Clay modeling instructors for several of the sixteen weeks to oversee execution of the design changes.
PPAM 367 X: 3D Modeling and Rendering II
The first several weeks of the sixteen week semester, students will learn and employ
professional finishing techniques for their printed Alias wheel designs (created in the 2nd term) using the woodshop and paint areas. For the remaining weeks, students will refine their Alias skills by re-creating the design of their 1/5 scale automobile model in digital format. Emphasis will be on refining curves and surface modeling. Rendering techniques will be taught. The possibility of incorporating a white light scanner will be considered for this term to allow students to work with actual data. Students much each create a presentation board for their Alias design work for final presentation with clay models, finished wheels and resume.
PPAM 260 X Clay Modeling III
Students will create full-scale exterior automotive parts in clay and will learn and apply advanced surfacing techniques. Additional experience will be gained by applying design alterations as requested by visiting professional designers.
PPAM 370 X: 3D Modeling and Rendering III
Students will strive to master Alias design tools and will learn and apply Alias rendering
techniques to their car and wheel designs. A Designer will co-teach several weeks of the course to dictate design changes that the students will then have to incorporate into their final work. Students will be asked to work from sketches as well as from verbal and written descriptions.
The diploma earned represents successful completion of all courses within the program, however, it is not comparable to a full four-year undergraduate degree. Credits earned may be transferable to an undergraduate program of study at the discretion of the institution through which a student is seeking degree completion. The 18-credit program meets the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid.
Academics
- Advertising Design
- Art Education
- Crafts
- Entertainment Arts
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Interior Design
- Photography
- Product Design
- Transportation Design
- Foundation
- Liberal Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
- AICAD/Mobility
- Study Abroad
- Minors
- CCS Experience
- Professional Development
- SB-CEU Courses
- Adult Courses
- Young Artist Courses
- Summer Guest Students






