DSP Manual — Section 4 of 4
DSP Manual — Pages 10–11
Page 10 of 11
Steps 16–19: Front Refinement, Openings, Fillets & Balancing
Refining the front surfaces, cutting in the openings, adding fillets and radii, and beginning symmetry balancing.
Step 16: Refining Surfaces — Front
Refine the front end surfaces. The hood surface should be clean and flat (or gently curved per the design). The front fascia should have crisp transitions to the body sides. Check the front cross-section profile against the template and verify symmetry from directly in front of the model.
Step 17: Cutting In the Openings
Using a sharp clay tool or stylus, cut in the door openings, hood line, trunk line, and any other panel gaps. The openings should be clean, consistent in width, and follow the character lines of the design. Work slowly and deliberately — openings are difficult to correct once cut.
Step 18: Fillets & Radii
Add fillets (rounded transitions) at all surface intersections — where the body side meets the hood, where the front fascia meets the body side, and at all panel gap edges. Use a rounded slick or your finger to create consistent radii. Fillets give the model a finished, production-ready appearance.
Step 19: Balancing & Symmetry (Part 1)
Begin the symmetry check by comparing the left and right sides of the model. Use the base plate grid as reference. Identify any areas where one side is higher, lower, or differently shaped than the other. Mark discrepancies with a stylus and correct them with clay additions or removals.
Page 11 of 11
Steps 19–20: Symmetry & Design Changes
Completing the symmetry and balance check, then modifying the design to explore alternative styling directions.
Step 19 (Continued): Completing Symmetry
Complete the symmetry check by working through every surface area systematically. Use a profile gauge or template to compare cross-sections at matching points on both sides. The model should read as perfectly symmetrical from the front and rear. Minor asymmetries are acceptable — major ones should be corrected.
Final symmetry check: view the model from directly above. The centerline should divide the model into two equal halves. Check the roofline, hood, and trunk for consistent width on both sides.
Step 20: Changing the Design
One of the greatest advantages of clay modeling is the ability to modify the design at any stage. To explore a design change, simply add clay to the area you want to modify and re-sculpt. You can change the roofline, alter the character lines, modify the front or rear treatment, or adjust the overall proportions.
To remove a design change and return to the previous state, scrape away the added clay and re-smooth the surface. Clay is fully reversible — this is what makes it the ideal design medium.
Design Exploration Tips
- Photograph the model before making changes — you can always reference the previous state.
- Make changes on one side first to compare old vs. new before committing.
- Step back frequently and view the model from a distance to assess the overall design.
- Use the design renderings as a guide, but trust your eye — the physical model is the final arbiter.