Today we spoke with Nick Wheat (BFA ID ’13), a junior in the Industrial Design Department who hails from Silicon Valley. Wheat impressed both faculty and his peers when he entered the department as a sophomore, quickly becoming well known for his fantastic sketches and meticulous attention to detail. Below are a couple of his sketches, but more can be seen on his website.
Why did you decide to become a designer?
I’ve always appreciated well designed/nifty/high quality products. I considered architecture, but industrial design seemed better suited to my interests.
What is your favorite utensil to sketch with?
Well, mechanical pencils and Copic cool greys are what I use most right now, but my favorite thing to use is a Conté pencil with a tortillion. It’s a lot easier and quicker to create a nice gradient with than markers, and it’s opaque, so it’s really useful for adding highlights and reflections.
What inspires your sketching?
Architectural concept drawings, especially Zaha Hadid‘s.
What is the biggest consideration when you start a sketch?
The hardest decision is the perspective. I have to pick the angle from which the object’s function is the most obvious, and also one which showcases the form in an appealing way.
What have you been sketching lately?
My most recent drawings have been of electronics, cars (exteriors and interiors), shoes, furniture, and bottles.