NEIL DE VOS

AGE: 27

Born: SANDTON

Lives: PARIS, FRANCE

Works: CURRENTLY JOB-HUNTING

CAR: Where did your passion for car design start?

NDV: As my dad is an avid car enthusiast and motoring scribe [Ferdi de Vos], I was exposed to new cars on a regular basis. The exterior and interior forms fascinated me.

Are you also interested in the wider field of art and design?

I can appreciate any industrial design that centres on humans. Essentially this is what a car is.

As a creative, how else do you express your artistic side?

I love playing the guitar and ukulele, as it is creating something beautiful (music) from scratch, like sketching. My other hobby is photography.

Where did you study automotive design?

I first studied industrial design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Mtech), which was very useful as background. To pursue my

 Toyota Odio: masters thesis in collaboration with Toyota (creating sustainable soundscapes).

 Porsche Skin, third year.  Peugeot Drive: fourth year (concept for a 2030 autonomous vehicle).  Safe Scoot, fourth year (design for a three-wheeled moped).  Harmony, fifth year.  Porsche Skin, third year (1:5-scale clay model). career as car designer, I managed to secure a two-year bursary at Strate School of Design in France, where I completed my master’s degree in transportation design.

How much does it cost to study?

You can budget up to R500 000 a year, including accommodation and living expenses. Yes, it is expensive.

How did you get into the industry?

I am currently seeking employment, but as part of my master’s course, I spent six months at Toyota Motor Europe for an internship. I found this the best way to gain experience.

What classic car represents the pinnacle of car design?

The original Renault Alpine has beautiful proportions and stance despite being a tiny vehicle.

What classic car would you reinterpret in a modern context?

What about a new version of the Mk1 Ford Escort?

What advice can you offer CAR readers aspiring to become car designers?

Work hard on your portfolio, apply for bursaries and ignore negative people telling you that a career in car design is impossible.