Ivan Luccion is an automotive designer from Provo, Utah. He has been recipient of the General Motors Fund Scholarship in Industrial Design, his sketches were featured on Designer Techniques not to miss his artwork which became centre of attraction at the Woodbury Gallery. His knowledge and dexterity in the renderings of his designs/concepts are able to extend beyond the realm of economic and social necessity and enter into the resourceful vicinity of enjoyment and sport. Following (email) interview will prove my point.

1. What made you take a plunge into the automotive designing?

Ivan: The first doodles as a 1-2 year old were cars. My father was an auto mechanic so that influenced me a lot. When I was 3 years old I could tell what car was coming before seeing it just by recognizing their unique sounds, specially the Citroen 2CV.
For a time, I didn’t really know I wanted to design, I didn’t know about the field. Finally though, I saw work online from students at Brigham Young University, which is located where I lived (Provo, Utah, USA) and I was hooked.

2. Your concepts like Corvette project - mid engine, Saturn - Horus - Final Renderings, both have futuristic undertones, any particular reasons?

Ivan: As designers we always look to the future. Perhaps we reference the past, but we then we try to see the future. My designs tend to be closer to reality, though I’d like to let go and really go far into the future.

3. Talking about your achievements, well you received the General Motors Fund Scholarship in Industrial Design, your sketches were featured on www.designertechniques.com, then your artwork were also exhibited at Woodbury Gallery, so how has these types of recognition benefited your career so far?

Ivan: The gallery exhibit was probably the first “sign” to me that I had something artistic ability. It gave me some confidence to continue in an artistic field instead of continuing with international business.

The scholarships were of great assistance to pay school for one, and also it again gave me a boost of confidence to continue. It felt great to be recognized like that. Same with designertechniques.com as the internet is a window to the rest of the planet. I’m a shy guy, often hard on myself, so, any positive reinforcement helps to keep my confidence up.

4. Do you prefer product design to car design?

Ivan: I would prefer car design, but I have done product, soft goods, graphic design and surgical tools. The thing with car design is the emotion involved in the sketching vehicles. Sometimes you can feel the vehicle’s personality as you sketch it, the speed, etc.

5. What type of rendering do you like most and why?

Ivan: I appreciate all styles of rendering. I particularly like the pencil renders. I’m still trying to find a style that suits me best. Yet renderings in Corel Painter have lose feel that I enjoy.

6. What are some of the emerging trends that you see in the automotive designing?

Ivan: Green seems to be the word of the day. Though, it would be a sad world without explosive power of super cars. Efficiency in all aspects.

7. What is innovation to you - design, technology or the creative processes itself?

Ivan: Innovation - design coupled with technology found through the creative process though innovation doesn’t necessarily always have to have technology. New ways to do, to present or accept a process is innovation.

8. Where do you see yourself, after, let’s say, five years from now?

Ivan: Hopefully by then I will join a creative design team where I would be able to contribute to the betterment of products, processes and user experience.

9. Any words of wisdom, you’d like to give to our readers?

Ivan: As my father used to say: “the one who studies, triumphs”. So, keep it at it. Do what you love and don’t give up.

10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on Auto Motto?

Ivan: I have it bookmarked. I like extensive coverage of the auto world and coverage on up comin’ new designers. :-)

What comes to your mind when I say the following:

Ivan: A hard one! Both worked on vehicles that have become icons. I’ll pick Giacosa if I have to. I like the diminutive Fiat 500.

Your favorite car companies would be?

Ivan: Another difficult one to answer. Probably GM. Rick in H.R. is a nice guy and I know a few designers there who are great guys like Dan G., Jess B., Hasan Z., Brendon McK.

If you and I sat down for a coffee, to talk about ‘must see’ designers of the day - who would you recommend I take a look at?

Ivan: First, I’d drink hot chocolate, ha, ha! My buds Spencer Nugent and Andres Parada though new to the design world, I think that they have great futures. Also my brother Nebel Luccion, yet to be discovered has more creativity than anyone else I know.

Your wildest dream would be?

Ivan: To make a living designing cars and being able to go on a family vacation yearly. (I’m a simple guy)

What is your greatest day-in/day-out obstacle?

Ivan: Time

Thank you Ivan for this wonderful interview, I’m sure our readers would have enjoyed reading it too. Hence, before concluding, I’d like to wish you success for all your future endeavors.190624