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Carving Clay Cars

Bailey Sisoy Isgro talks about sculpting clay models of new car designs

Courtesy of GM Design.

Bailey Sisoy Isgro sculpts clay models of cars and trucks in development at  General Motors. 

Scholastic Art: What is your job?

Bailey Sisoy Isgro: I’m a creative hands-on sculptor for General Motors. I work with designers and digital sculptors to create 3-D clay models that represent cars and trucks that General Motors is developing.

SA: How do you create a clay model?

BSI: First, I block out a metal and foam frame, and pack 2 to 3 inches of clay over the frame. Then I shape the model based on the designer’s sketches. I work with the designer to make sure the model reflects his or her ideas. I also work with the digital sculptors to make sure that the model works with the mechanical requirements—there must be space for the engine to fit under the hood. There is a lot of back-and-forth as we refine the model. 

SA: What types of tools do you use? 

BSI: I use some tools that are similar to potter’s tools, such as loop tools and rakes. I also use a big machine—it’s about 8 feet tall—called a Tarus mill. It can sculpt the model on three axes—so it can move up and down, left and right, and in and out all at the same time. With all of these tools, I can refine the clay model to the point that you wouldn’t believe it was not a car.

SA: What is the purpose of a model?

BSI: We use scale models, or smaller models, to help determine the direction of the design. We also use the models in a wind tunnel to see if we need to make changes to make the car more fuel-efficient. And we use full-size refined models to see how the different surfaces of the car catch light—because how a car “reads” light is a big factor in what makes it attractive. And you can’t tell how a car will read light from a computer model. 

SA: What do you find to be most surprising about your job?

BSI: The people who work here are artists,  and the atmosphere is wonderful. I was also shocked by how many women work here, especially in leadership positions.

Career Profile: Automotive Clay Modeler

Salary:

Automotive clay modelers can earn from $40,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on the company and experience.

 

Education: 

Most automotive clay modelers have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree in transportation design.

 

Getting Started:

  • If you live near  an auto company, apply for an internship in  the sculpting department.
  • Read car magazines to develop a feel for the designs of different cars.
  • Make a model. Use modeling clay (you can buy it online) to experiment with making a scale model of a car.

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