JONSIBAL Designworks is an automotive design consultant specializing in body kit designs, livery designs, illustrations, and graphics. They work with top automotive builders, race teams, aftermarket, and OE manufacturers to create concept designs for one-off projects to full mass production parts. Their design work has been featured in numerous automotive events and trade shows, various online and print media, and even in the Super Bowl Half-time show. We talk with Jon Sibal to learn more about how they use KeyShot in their process.
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Modeling software used: Blender
What sparked your interest in automotive design?
Cars caught my attention at a young age, being fascinated by their sounds, scent, and of course distinct shapes. By the time I was able to afford my own car, I wanted to re-style the exterior but because what was available in the market didn’t suit my needs, I designed my own. I learned that presenting my ideas through photo-realistic renderings was a great way to convey my vision to the builder; a key method that I use to this day. What started as a hobby became a legitimate career that allows me to fuel creativity and stir up imagination about what’s possible.
What’s unique about the process or approach you take to a project?
When we have a body kit design project, we spend a lot of time understanding our client’s visions and needs. We believe that the time we invest in preparation is crucial to the execution of their project. We go through sample images, reference materials, color finishes, etc. to narrow down what we need to design and create the product consistent with the client’s vision. This allows us to go straight to digital modeling.
When it comes to livery designs, we take it further than the traditional orthographic 2D work. With KeyShot’s label feature, we’re able to apply our livery designs onto the 3D model of the vehicle and give the client a full visual of how it will look on their project in every angle they need. KeyShot also allows us to adjust logo placements and proportion on the fly while viewing the vehicle in a dynamic and realistic lighting environment.
KeyShot also allows us to adjust logo placements and proportion on the fly while viewing the vehicle in a dynamic and realistic lighting environment.”
What is your primary 3D modeling software?
We use whatever tools available to get the job done, but for the most part, we’ve had great results with Blender in regard to vehicle’s aero parts designs. The files exported from Blender work great with KeyShot which is essential in our workflow.
Where in the process is KeyShot used?
KeyShot is used primarily for design visualization, showcasing the concepts in multiple finishes, and backdrop settings, along with livery design applications and previews, press release materials, and promotional product poster designs.
What projects have KeyShot been used for?
KeyShot has been an integral part of a lot of our design presentations. KeyShot was utilized in our recent Formula Drift car design projects. We worked with Papadakis Racing and TRD for the design and development of the Widebody kit for the Toyota GR Corolla Competition car using KeyShot to present our ideas and solutions. They took 1st place in the inaugural race of the Formula Drift 2022 season.
And Round 2 of Formula Drift, we saw our other design projects compete and win once again. Papadakis Racing with their Toyota GR Supra featuring our livery design won 1st place. The 2nd place went to Chris Forseberg’s brand new 2022 Nissan Z with our widebody kit design done for StreetHunter. It’s satisfying to see our designs come to life, but even better to see our clients take top honors.
Overall, how has KeyShot helped save time, money and/or improve quality?
KeyShot has been a great tool for us to present our designs to clients in a clear and effective way which saves clients, engineers, and ourselves time and money. With KeyShot, our clients are able to preview multiple vehicle body kit designs with different wheel and color setups. Most of the deadlines are very tight so we’re able to help our clients make those crucial decisions in choosing the correct configuration in an efficient and timely manner.
What advice would you give to others interested in doing what you do?
As a self-taught automotive artist without any formal training, I want to encourage anyone who is interested in getting into this field to do whatever it takes to learn what you need whether it be by taking a course in school or a YouTube tutorial. Draw, design, and create every day. Don’t worry if you don’t have the right tools or training, do the best work with what you have. This attitude can force unexpected creativity which can lead to great possibilities and opportunities in your journey.
“Don’t worry if you don’t have the right tools or training, do the best work with what you have. This attitude can force unexpected creativity which can lead to great possibilities and opportunities in your journey.”
