DSP Manual — Section 1 of 4
DSP Manual — Pages 1–3
Page 1 of 11
Introduction to DESIGNSTUDIOPRO
Overview of the product, the automotive clay modeling process, history of clay in car design, and instructor introduction.
Welcome to DESIGNSTUDIOPRO
DESIGNSTUDIOPRO is a complete automotive design system developed by professional modelers and designers. It provides a methodical, step-by-step approach to clay modeling of car designs — the same medium used by professional automotive designers for decades.
Why Clay?
Clay has been the primary design medium in automotive studios for over 90 years. Its flexibility allows designers to sculpt, refine, and modify a design quickly and intuitively — something no digital tool can fully replicate. DESIGNSTUDIOPRO brings this professional process to enthusiasts and students.
About the Instructors
The DESIGNSTUDIOPRO clay modelers are Tim And Gustavo. The combined clay modeling experiance is more than 55 years. Their step-by-step methodology is designed to guide you from a blank armature to a fully refined clay model.
What You Will Learn
- How to heat and apply professional styling clay
- How to use clay modeling tools (rake, plane, slicks)
- How to build and use foam core templates
- How to establish character lines and surface planes
- How to refine and balance a clay model
- How to cut openings and add fillets and radii
- How to modify and evolve your design
Page 2 of 11
Kit Components
Descriptions of all included items in the DESIGNSTUDIOPRO kit.
What's Included in Your Kit
The DESIGNSTUDIOPRO kit contains professionally selected components, each chosen to give you the best possible clay modeling experience.
Custom Model Armature
A solid foam structure designed to prevent cracks and assist in proportion visualization. The armature provides the internal skeleton of your clay model.
Clay Modeling Tools
Includes a rake, clay plane, and slicks. All tools require sharpening with 150-grit sandpaper before use.
Design Renderings
Professional automotive design sketches to use as reference and inspiration while sculpting your clay model.
Engineering Drawings
Scaled engineering drawings for accurate proportion reference during armature setup and clay application.
Template Materials
Foam core material for creating cross-section templates.
Page 3 of 11
Modeling Order Overview
9-step overview and table of contents for the full modeling process.
The Modeling Process at a Glance
The DESIGNSTUDIOPRO modeling process follows a structured sequence of 20 steps organized into 9 major phases. Each phase builds on the previous, taking you from a bare armature to a fully refined clay model.
Preparation
Steps 1–2Heat clay, sharpen tools, mark the base plate.
Templates
Step 3Make foam core cross-section templates from the engineering drawings.
Initial Clay Application
Steps 4–5Skim coat the armature and drag in primary surfaces.
Rough Form
Steps 6–7Establish wheel openings and rough pack the clay form.
Character Lines
Step 8Mark and establish the primary character lines of the design.
Blocking In
Steps 9–12Block in the cabin, body side, front, and rear.
Surface Refinement
Steps 13–16Refine all surfaces — cabin, body side, rear, and front.
Details & Openings
Steps 17–18Cut in openings and add fillets and radii.
Balancing & Design Changes
Steps 19–20Balance symmetry and explore design modifications.