Sketchbook Audio
By Ryan "Sketch"
Sketchbook AudioJun 19, 2018
Fisker - What or Who is a Fisker
Whether you have or haven't heard or Fisker, you should have a listen about basically, everything Fisker
Biden Admin may reverse/slow its push for EVs - What is the Kia Carnival? - The new Mini Countryman
Did you know that the KIA Carnival is not really just a minivan? Did you know that it also used to have a totally different name? And did you know that it's actually pretty cool?
Last but not least, the Mini Countryman isn't so "mini" anymore but does that mean it doesn't belong in the Mini family anymore? Personally, I think it is a fantastic option for those looking for a compact crossover, but it does stick out like a sore thumb amongst all of the other Mini Cooper vehicles.
Chicago Autoshow update and a comparison between two identical EVs
EVs in the Cold - EV sounds - Best Luxury vehicles
The next gen Dodge Charger will have ICE and EV variants. Whybare people so angry about it though? My hot take on it.
A friend asked me today to talk about my favorite luxury car brands and which I personally would recommend and why.
CES '24 roundup; Tokyo Auto Saloon Highlights; Tesla model 3 update hot take; P2 Trio quick review
TAS - Tokyo Auto saloon happening right now showed up in full force with wild Honda Civic Type R (CTR) Mugen models (group A and B racing)
Mitsubishi and other automakers gave us their best off readers and family haulers for the modern age.
My hot take on the "updated" tesla model 3
Quick review of the Pelsee P2 Trio
Available on Amazon now!
An Overview of Tesla, and some news from CES 2024
I was recently asked by some friends to talk about my opinion on Tesla and Elon Musk...so, here it goes!
Also, CES (Consumer Electronics Symposium) Is currently happening in Vegas right now. Lets hit some highlights.
First Podcast of 2024 - AI and EV Interiors
AI....its a scary frontier thats taking the world by storm. But, will this storm bring flowers or nothing but disaster and regret?
For one, AI threatens a lot of jobs, especially for creative people. We've already seen countless lawsuits against AI engines like Midjourney, but there are some ethically sound ones out there like Vizcom, which learns about lighting and perspective and volume to help turn your sketch into something very cool. Its not just about being a "prompt engineer", you actually have to put in the creative work to get anywhere.
Now, for EVs, there are two (it seems) mindsets about what the interiors should be like. In general, EVs offer a much more spacious envirnoment on the inside because everything needed to move the car is either under it or on the axles, unlike in a traditional ICE or Hybrid where everything is, well, everywhere, leaving the occupants with little room to do much other than drive and look out the windows. So now that you've removed a lot of mechanics of a car, how should the interior layout look? Empty and devoid of anything that makes a car a car like a Tesla (some would call this minimalist) or should it still feel like, ya know, a car...like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Lucid Air and Polestar 2
Sketchbook Audio Returns! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Well folks, I am back!
Its been awhile and I had to do some soul searching, but here I am! Back and better than ever! (Maybe haha).
Big shout out to my fans for keeping me going! You all asked for more, so here we go!
This is a bit of a Christmas present to you all and me as I was offered the chance to review a really nice dashcam from a brand called Pelsee. The cam is called the P2 Trio, and it features 3 cameras, 5ghz connection, 4k recording (audio and video), voice commands, a GPS (for speed) and a slew of other very nice features.
Check out this video to see my full reaction and impressions on the unit. Heres the link to it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Pelsee-Channel-DashCam-Control-Parking/dp/B0CKR1GMD8
Oh, and I have some new video editing software so its taking me a minute to learn the ins and outs of it. Expect some higher quality videos in the future! And, if you liked this product review, I will try and get some more. Tech is definitely something I am passionate about and it fits in with product/industrial design discussions.
A close look at the Hyundai N74 Concept; Writers and Actors Guilds Strikes and how they affect EVERYONE; Illustrations for Books; Stop the bullying!
Just a little bit of everything this week.
Stay tuned for the ending, though. Its one helluva ride!
Some Random Autmotive Reveals/Updates and a quick Leap into the Spider-Verse!
The title says it all... ok not everything. And thats ok! Because life, like my podcast, is like a box of chocolates - you never know what youre going to get.
New Vehicles coming in Hot!! Lots of EVs, plenty of tech and a fancy new interior for the 2024 Wrangler!
Everything from 2024 Wranglers, to Polestar 4 and much more
You wont want to miss this episode if you are looking for details on future vehicles.
Bonus...EASTER JEEP SAFARI Breakdown
P.s. Yes, I need a haircut. Bad.
Rat Rods! - What makes them so appealing?
What is a Rat Rod? Where do they come from? Why do they look rusted?
I'll give ya all the deets in the video (or just in the audio)
2023 Chicago Auto Show!
Basically the highlights of the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
In no particular order, you'll learn a bit about, and see, the following vehicles: Corvette E-Ray, NEW Chevy Trax, NEW GMC Canyon, Kia EV6, Buick Wildcat Concept, RAM REV Concept, Jeep 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicons, Dodge Hornet, Kia Niro, VW Atlas, Some Alfa Romeos, Acura TLX Type-S PMC Edition, New Honda Pilot, New Toyota Prius, and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport!
VinFast and Zeekr - What you NEED to know about these two EV companies
Have you ever heard of VinFast? Do you know what a Zeekr is?
If you have no idea what I am talking about, then sit down and have a watch/listen to this episode of Sketchbook Audio and let me tell you all about these two new kids on the block. And no, they arent in a boy band. That i know of.
Recycled Material Made New Again and a Deep Dive on the Charger Banshee
The title says it all, so lets goooooooo!
CES 2023 Edition! - Tons of EVs and of course, Tech and Electronics
Apparently, we have turned every tech show into an opportunity to be a car show. Hey, thats fine by me, more concept cars the merrier!
But this year was quite special and I for one, am super jealous that I wasnt there.
Namely because, I didnt get to see the new Ram 1500 EV. Want to learn more about it? Have a Listen and find out the deets on the below vehicles as well:
1. Ram 1500 REV
2. Peugeot Inception
3. BMW DEE
4. Sony/Honda Alfeea....Alfleea?....Aleefa? Afeela?? who knows
5. VW ID7
And bonus mentions of the Mazda Rotary Range Extender; Cadillac Celestiq; Lyriq and the beloved (or hated) Yolk steering wheel
Christmas Special! Oh the money you could spend!
Heres whats in todays episode:
How to winterize your car and stay safe this winter - baby, its cold outside
Bertone 110
Cool Beach-themed wranglers (Beach and High Tide)
Alfa Romeo Zagato coupe 1 off
Ram TRX Havoc (sadly, it has nothing to do with the Xmen )
Next-gen Hyundai kona??? Yupp! And its actually worth looking at
LA Autoshow, A little Venom and of course, some shockingly good news ;-)
LA Autoshow just happened and there are some really cool highlights to discuss.
Oh! Did you notice this was a video AND audio? Yeah! You can watch it or listen to it on any podcast platform!
Electrifying updates! Yeah, I went there.
Im going to be making a lot of dad jokes and puns in the coming future and rightfully so because I am about to be a dad! Anytime now too.
Anyways, enough about me, lets talk about some exciting EVs that are just around the corner!
Volvo EX90
Audi Q8 Etron/GT
Abarth New 500..... yupp, all EV and no more brap-ap-ap-ap-ap during a lovely cold startup. But may be its using a version of Dodge's "Fratzonic Chamber"??
Finally! A podcast dedicated to Architecture !
Well, as promised, here is my long-awaited episode on Architecture and how you can apply a lot of themes and forms from these gorgeous and historical monuments to your automotive/transportation designs.
Lets explore the world together, one epic building at a time!
New EVs coming your way along with some cool Concepts I CANNOT Wait for in Production form
Here's what's on todays episode:
-The Hummer EV has been deemed to be "Too heavy for the safety of everyone around one"
-Jeep Avenger? Yupp, Jeep "borrowed" that name from Dodge but managed to make a really cheeky and fun compact crossover out of it
-Renault and Dacia have a couple of interesting EV Off-roading concepts they would like you to see...because they are pretty sweet
-Ram and Jeep @ SEMA 2022! Three new "concepts" or test-beads for their upcoming aftermarket parts catalog. But maybe, just maybe, one (or more) of the concepts will make a production appearance sometime down the road.
-Last but not least, #InkTober is afoot and Im already on the letter "S" for my super heroes of the alphabet series. You can check those all out soon on Instagram Sketchbook_Audio
Muscle cars, EVs and Werewolves, OH MY! Wait, Werewolves?! Yupp. Werewolves.
Being that we are getting ever so closer to Halloween, ahem, my favorite holiday of the year, I thought it would be a good time to discuss Disney+'s latest special, Werewolf By Night. Now I wont be doing a deep-dive into it or give up any spoilers, but I will be discussing the intro and the clever and powerful use of B&W film (could quite possibly been filmed in color and then changed in post but it also could've been filmed in B&W).
But before I make such a howling revelation (yeah, did you know that Im going to be a dad soon?), lets talk about a few cars including the new 2024 Mustang.
Detroit Autoshow/NAIAS 2022 - PT2
And here we have the rest of my opinion on the 2022 Detroit Autoshow.
Listen, if you love cars as much as I do, you'll go down to the show anyways, regardless of what I say. In fact, I highly recommend you do. Just dont expect the same kind of exuberance as there was in previous years (Pre-covid)
Detroit Autoshow/NAIAS 2022 - Part 1 (video)
So, quick note, my gopro decided to stop filming after about 12 minutes into the video so, there will be a part 2 that is purely audio. Dont miss that!
Also, new custom THEME SONG is in the works thanks to one of my long-time listeners and I am revamping the logo to be cleaner and more related to this show!
Jeep 4xe EV Day REVEALS and Whats Coming Up For Next Week at NAIAS 2022
Heres a quick breakdown of what you hear about on today's episode.
1. Jeep 4xe EV Day - Wagoneer S, Grand Wagoneer 4xe, Recon and ...uh...jeep Avenger???
2. Chevy Equinox EV and other GM products
3. Ford Mustang #MustangStampede Sept 14
4. Dodge Swinger Twins (not what it sounds like lol)
5. Chrysler 300 farewell edition Sept 13
6. Shooting Brakes! What the heck is that?
Graffiti and Murals
Lets Go Cruisin!
Woodward Dream Cruise !
What is it? Where is it? When Is it? What do you do there? What will you see?
All of these burning questions answered, and then some!
Dodge. Speedweek. Hornets, Banshees, and a whole lot of muscle and power. Then, autoshows!
So much coming up in the near future - Lets talk about it!
What youre going to hear about in todays episode (not in this specific order) :
GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado Offroad models - totally redisigned from the ground up and looking AMAZING
Switzerland is about to make a BIG (positive) impact on our world and the EV landscape
Ford Maverick Tremor
Dodge E-Muscle and the future of Stellantis America EVs
Ford Bronco/Bronco Sport Heritage Editions
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
And so much more!
Its the return of the ... Well, whatever you wanna call me :)
Things have been crazy over the past year, and I have so much to talk about. Some of it, has nothing to do with Design so if you were hoping for a big discussion on design on this episode, well, you'll have to listen to some deep conversation first...or fast forward lol.
Ok! Now that we have all of that sad stuff out of the way, lets start talking about all of the NEW new coming out this year or very soon. There's a lot so stick around!
Music and Cars, A little Retro and EV Performance out the Wazoo!
What do you get when you cross the most famous scale car toys with guitars? Fender seems to have the answer and frankly, I think i am in love!
VW has something to share with the world - a vehicle truly for the people. Consider me, "people" cause I want one...or maybe 2.
EV is the way of the future and where every automaker is headed but not many of them are really touting the performance benefits of their EVs....well, except Tesla and their insane Plaid models S and X. That said, GM has a good response for EV performance and I am all ears... oh wait, we wont be able to hear it though. Shoot.
Chicago Autoshow and a Delorean Revival (as an EV)!
Chicago auto show is going on now, but I was able to score a press/media badge (thanks to this wonderful podcast).
Lets talk about everything I saw there, specifically, the EVs!
Random thoughts:
1. DMC is bringing the Delorean back as an EV with the help of Italdesign and its coming soon.
2. Jeep has another new 3 row, but its for india and I think its just a rebadged Commander (extended wheelbase Compass)
3. Super Bowl just happened and of course, it had some fun car commercials. Which one was your favorite?
LAA AUTO SHOW IS HERE! And how about some cool electro-restomods?
The title says it all, so lets go!
Something bad happened to my foot today! And lets talk about that "Ralliart" concept that is coming to the Tokyo Auto Salon this week
A quick breakdown of this weeks episode
1. why is my foot currently in a tub of ice water?
2. Mitsubishi has a Ralliart secret and I am going to make a BIG deal about \
3. Tokyo Auto Salon 2022
4. EV Startups - why so many? Who should you go with? - A hot take
5. GM has some really, really cool designs headed to a dealership near you...but are you interested in a $107,000 chevy thats not a corvette?
So much Craziness today, I dont even know where to start! Oh yeah, how about collapsing bridges in Pittsburgh, and then lets talk cars?!
Quick Run Down of today's episode
1. bridge collapses in Pittsburgh - thankfully, no fatalities.
2. Jeep is building us bigger Grand Wagoneers...or are they just Grander?
3. Ford Bronco Raptor - lots of orange. Need I say more?
4. VW ID BUZZ LEAKED!!!!!
5. Randomness........
LETS GO 2022!! So much to talk about and so little time to do it so lets go!
2022 is going to be a huge testimony to the strength and the vision of automakers and consumer goods alike. 2021 was already a nightmare, but 2022 could be the turning point. However, with new Covid variants, like Omicron, there might still be some delays.
Fortunately, that isnt stopping big autoshow like CES and the Tokyo Auto salon from happening and thank God because there are some really cool vehicles and products (hopefully) headed our way.
Join me on the episode of Sketchbook audio where we will discuss some of the highs and lows of the auto industry and i'll give you a sneak peak at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Lets go!
What is Cel-Shading and how does it play a role in Disney+ What if... series? Have you ever heard of the Dodge Slingshot or Demon? No, not THAT Demon...this one!
Cel shading is a very interesting and clever way to make your 3D animations (3D Studio Max, Maya, ZBrush) Look like cartoons or comic books.
Disney/Marvel used this beautiful technique to bring some color and excitement to their characters in What If...
The thing I loved most about the series was that it really made the comic book characters come to life.
Ok, so we have to at least mention one or two cars this week so lets take a look at two failed experiments over at Dodge.
1. The Dodge Slingshot and
2. The Dodge Demon (not the ridiculously successful and powerful Challenger Demon)
Fashion Forward - How to Improve your designs, by looking at the latest fashion trends!
Is your car or product design lacking that little bit of flair? Do you need vibrant colors to set your design apart and really be an eye-catcher? Looking for a different kind of fabric or material that would truly be awe-inspiring?
The best answer I can give you, is to turn your eyes to the latest in fashion. While some of the designs are so outlandish and almost impossible to imagine wearing out anywhere (let alone on a regular basis), it is super easy to find inspiration for your designs just by checking out a big fashion show like the Met Gala.
2 Row Grand Cherokee Reveal - And what's up with all of these EV Startups making Trucks?!
Lets talk about the newly revealed 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2 Row) and "AUTHENTICITY".
Many times, designers in any industry - be it fashion, automotive, product, architecture - will be faced with a situation where they have to carefully choose whether or not to be authentic with their material choices. In the case of the 2022 Grand Cherokee, Jeep appears to have written the book on authenticity and truly went all out to make this generation one that not only looks good and drives great, but feels authentic with every surface change. From the fine leather and upscale stitching, to the sultry woodgrain and seemingly forged metal surfaces, this car is a true showcase of craftmanship.
The 2022 Tundra TRD Pro (and all its other models) is here and its ready to take your lunch money!
the episode title says it all!
Lets take a deep dive into the design and features of the newly revealed, 2022 Tundra (TRD PRO)
MOVIES GALORE! They are works of Art too. And, some car talk
Some seriously HUGE movie news has been dropped on us over the past week and I want to share it with you all.
Kia is offering, one of their most popular vehicles in the US, to Europe...but in a smaller package.
Why is the new Sportage (and other Kia/hyundai vehicles) so damn good? Cause they take risks in their designs. Smart risks that pay off
Lastly, E-Muscle....what is it, and why should you care?
Concourse De'Elegance and some crazy super cars!
How much money do you think you can fit onto one golf course? Well, the Concourse De'Elegance at pebble beach in Monterey is a good answer.
That happened this weekend and along with the millions of dollars in exotics and rare classic cars, companies like Lamborghini seized the moment to show off their latest super car and its a total throwback! I wont spoil what it is here, you'll have to listen to find out!
And last but not least, what do you think about simplifying cars and eliminating all of that extra "stuff" that you really dont need? Would you buy a "stripped" car if it were available? Im talking no AC, no power windows, not even any floor carpeting. If it saved you a ton of $$ and the car was more fun to drive because of it (and also easier to maintain) would you bite? I know I would!
This is the MOTHERLOAD of car and design news! You wont want to miss it!
So the past few weeks have been nothing but drop after drop of car after car, bikes and new tech ready and waiting to be disected.
We have weird and crazy, exotic and luxurious and a few downright dirty designs that I cannot wait to talk about with you guys.
Grab your keys, hop in your car and sit back and relax with me during your commute to work (or while you are waiting for your first work meeting to start while you work remotely) and lets talk about all of the madness thats hitting the world!
Cool Electric Cars and Good News for Petrolheads!
7 WEEKS! WHERE HAVE I BEEN?! Updates on my health and lets talk EVs!
The future is here folks and it is wild to say the least. So wild, some might say its electric!
Lets talk about all the fun and shockingly cool cars coming to dealerships in the near future and I'll also give you an update and some insight on my health, which as of late, has not been great.
I also want to introduce you guys to my latest side project, the Sketchbook Hero subscription box! If you are an artist or an aspiring one and you are looking for the tools of the trade, some inspiration or just something to blow money on, then you need to check out www.skektchbook-hero.com where you can pick up one of the coolest subscription boxes! You'll get all of the right tools that the best designers use, at a great price PLUS a bunch of bonus content that will keep you chasing your dream of becoming an automotive/product/fashion/game art designer!
Lots of New cars, MOSTLY EVs. And, an update on my health which is declining.
Today's episode we will discuss the following vehicles
Kia EV6
Ford Maverick
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Ford Lightning
BMW x4 M
New Kia Sportage
Maserati Gran Tourismo and a few others
Also, I have recently found out that I have some serious brain issues causing me to have speech problems, memory issues, constant random fainting, dizziness and nausea and a few other issues. It sucks, but I am getting surgery on july 7th to hopefully remedy my issues.
Keeping it Short - Recycled Material is the new New - My top 3 EVs to check out!
One of the hottest trends hitting the fashion AND automotive industry these days is recycling and using vegan materials.
Nike, Puma, Adidas, they are all finding clever ways of making new products using old stuff or recycled waste like plastic water bottles.
The Automotive Industry isnt far behind. From replacing cowhide leather with vegan and synthetic materials on seats to making foam and carpet from soy beans, the auto industry is trying to set a better example and try to fix the damage done by gas-guzzling vehicles.
The Devil Is In The Details!
What really makes cars stand out? The small details. They have the biggest impact on people and they can really create a personality for the each individual vehicle. Lets talk about some of the better ones of recent years!
Shooting the breeze about cars!
Lets talk about The Hyundai Kona N, Subaru engineering vs design, and whatever else comes to mind!
Follow me on Twitch and Instagram @Sketchbook_Audio!! You can see my pretty face AND watch me make a fool of myself. You can also see all of the pictures that I am describing!
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Revealed! And lets go to the Movies!
The 2022 Outlander is finally out of the proverbial box (thanks to Amazon Live) and we get our first full look at the inside and outside of the family-friendly crossover. Why is this a big thing for MItsu? What does it share with Nissan? How much will it cost? These are the questions I will get you the answers too and more!
OK, Movie time people! A switch and change of pace from cars for a moment because for awhile, most people in the world have not had the ability to go to movie theaters to catch the latest releases. Even now that most states and countries are allowing theaters to be open, people aren't flocking to them like the good ol' days. So how are we to catch the latest releases?
HBOMax and Disney+ are two options, so lets take a look at what's coming out in the very near future!