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Anatomy of a car designer

4 years ago

Writer:

Julian Thomson | Designer

Date:

5 October 2021

On one of my early visits to China, I was asked what inspired me as a car designer. And I replied rather earnestly that the collaboration of Shang Xia that brought together traditional Chinese handicrafts with luxury brand Hermès was a great influence. What’s more I said this with a straight face and some conviction – I meant it.

The problem with car designers is they are constantly trying to bring more and more intellectual credibility to their role to push them higher up the design food chain. Because the truth is you’re far more likely to become a Knight or Dame for being an architect, fashion or product designer; car design often just doesn’t carry the same credibility or kudos as other design disciplines.

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