DSP Manual — Pages 7–9

Step 6 (Continued): Completing Wheel Openings

Refine the wheel arch profiles using a slick or the clay plane. The wheel opening should have a clean, consistent radius. Check both sides for symmetry using the base plate grid as reference. The wheel plugs should sit naturally within the openings.

Step 7: Rough Packing

Add clay to build up the overall volume of the model to its intended proportions. Use the rake to rough in the form, checking against the templates frequently. At this stage, the model should read as the correct overall shape — even if the surfaces are rough and unrefined. Do not attempt to refine surfaces during rough packing.

Step 8: Marking the Character Lines

Character lines are the primary design lines that define the visual personality of the vehicle. Using a stylus or the tip of a clay tool, lightly score the character lines onto the clay surface based on the design renderings. These lines will guide all subsequent surface refinement work.

Common character lines include the shoulder line, the body side crease, the hood line, and the belt line. Mark these lightly at first — they can be adjusted as the design develops.

Step 8 (Continued): Character Lines

With the primary character lines marked, begin to develop the surface planes on either side of each line. The character lines should create a clear transition between adjacent surface areas. Use the clay plane to flatten each surface panel between the lines.

Step 9: Blocking In the Cabin

The cabin (greenhouse) is the glass area of the vehicle. Block in the cabin by establishing the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, and roofline. Use the templates to check the cabin profile. The cabin should read as a clean, simple form at this stage.

Step 10: Blocking In the Body Side

The body side is the largest surface area of the vehicle. Using the clay plane and rake, establish the primary surface planes of the body side. Work from the character lines outward, creating clean transitions between the upper body, door surface, and lower sill area.

Step 11: Blocking In the Front

Block in the front end by establishing the hood surface, front fascia, and headlamp areas. The front end sets the visual character of the vehicle — take time to get the proportions right. Use the templates to check the front cross-section profile.

Step 12: Blocking In the Rear

Block in the rear end by establishing the trunk/boot surface, rear fascia, and taillamp areas. The rear should balance visually with the front. Check the rear cross-section profile against the templates and ensure the rear overhang proportion matches the design renderings.

Step 13: Refining Surfaces — Cabin

Begin surface refinement on the cabin. Using slicks and the clay plane, smooth the roofline, pillars, and greenhouse area. The cabin surfaces should be clean and consistent. Check the profile from multiple angles — front, side, and three-quarter views.

Step 14: Refining Surfaces — Body Side

Refine the body side surfaces using slicks. Work systematically from the top of the body side downward. The character lines should be crisp and consistent. Check the body side surface with a straight edge or template to identify any high or low spots.

Step 15: Refining Surfaces — Rear

Refine the rear surfaces. Pay particular attention to the transition between the rear fascia and the body side. The rear should have clean, well-defined surface planes. Check symmetry from directly behind the model.