We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brook Banham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brook below.

Brook, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Sketchbattle was born out of my passion for design, cars, Detroit, techno, and socializing. As part of my Transportation Design Masters degree, I had to create a business plan for a side hustle that would allow me to pursue my interests outside of my main work as a designer. I wanted to create something fresh and exciting that would also be profitable.

The idea for Sketchbattle came to me as I was brainstorming ways to bring together car lovers and designers in a fun and unique way. I decided to create a live sketching contest in a party environment, combining my love of cars, design, and Detroit techno in underground venues. This concept, which I dubbed the “Fight Club of Design,” would celebrate the talent and creativity of designers while also providing a one-of-a-kind experience for participants and spectators.

As I continued to develop the idea for Sketchbattle, I realized that it could also solve some unexpected problems. For example, it could serve as a networking event for the small and close-knit automotive design industry. It could also showcase the work of college students and professionals to potential employers, and provide a fun opportunity for automotive suppliers to meet with designers and executives.

Living in Detroit, the Motorcity, gave me a unique advantage in creating Sketchbattle. There is an abundance of car lovers and designers in the area, and Detroit is the home of techno. The city also has many underground locations, making it the perfect setting for an event like Sketchbattle.

Overall, I knew that Sketchbattle was a worthwhile endeavor because it addressed a need in the market while also allowing me to pursue my passions and create something truly unique. I am excited to see how Sketchbattle continues to grow and evolve in the future.

Brook, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about two things: cars and drawing. With a father who worked in the automotive industry and a creative mother, it was a natural fit for me to pursue a career in vehicle design. After earning my bachelor’s degree in transportation design, I worked in various design roles with some of the world’s top companies, including BMW, VW, Ford, Puma, Fila, GM, Mattel, and many more.

My area of expertise is in the front end of product development, specifically in concept design. This has made me a specialist in sketching, and it’s where I feel I really shine. But what sets me apart from others is my independent mindset. I don’t fit easily into a structured work environment, which has given me an advantage in thinking outside the box and coming up with fresh ideas that others may not have thought of yet.

My experience as a freelance contractor led me to co-found Middlecott Design with my wife, who is a graphic designer. Together, we’ve built a successful design business that allows us to work from our home studio and enjoy complete freedom in our work. Alongside Middlecott Design, I’ve also created two side hustles that complement my love for art and design: Sketchbattle and my personal art practice. I also teach design sketching, part-time, as an adjunct professor for the College for Creative Studies in the transport, product, and fashion design departments. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and am excited for what the future holds.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business and design partner, Judith, in an unexpected way. I was working with Puma in Munich, Germany, and a group of my colleagues and I went out to a techno club called Erste Liga. That’s where I met Judith, who happened to be there with some friends. We hit it off immediately and found that we shared a lot of common interests, including a passion for design.

Over time, Judith and I became close friends and eventually started collaborating on design projects. Her background in graphic design and branding complemented my skills in transportation design and concept sketching, and we found that we worked really well together. As we continued to work on projects together, we realized that we had the potential to create something more permanent and started our own design business, Middlecott Design.

Working with Judith has been a wonderful experience. We share a deep appreciation for design and creativity, but we also balance each other out in many ways. She brings a fresh perspective to my work and helps me to refine my ideas, while I bring a more technical approach to hers. Our partnership has allowed us to take on a wide range of design projects and build a successful business together.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

At Sketchbattle, our clients are primarily our sponsors, who provide the financial support that enables us to put on our unique events. Over the years, our event has gained a strong reputation and grown in popularity through word-of-mouth, becoming one of the most sought-after parties during the auto show season. The niche market we serve – automotive design enthusiasts, party-goers, and techno music lovers – has allowed us to expand beyond Detroit and establish a national presence in cities like LA, NYC, Chicago, SF, and LV.

Moreover, Sketchbattle has also become a popular platform for schools to get involved and showcase their design talent. Colleges and universities participate by sending their students to compete in our live car design sketching contests. This provides an excellent opportunity for these aspiring designers to showcase their skills and potentially land a job with an automotive company. We are proud to have become a bridge between the industry and the next generation of designers, helping to nurture and develop new talent in the field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://middlecott.com/middlecott-sketchbattle-experiment
• Instagram: @middlecottsketchbattle  @BrookBanham @Middlecott.Graphic.Design
• Facebook: @MiddlecottSketchbattle @MiddlecottDesign
• Twitter: @middlecottdesign
• Youtube:@middlecottsketchbattleexpe9833 @SketchingByBrook

Image Credits
Brook Banham, Judith Banham