Northwest Design Profile: Tavis Highlander

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Martini_Mustang:  This is the rendering for a custom Mustang that was unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show.  It won Ford’s Best of Show award at that event.
Automotive design in the Pacific Northwest? I normally think of Detroit or southern California when vehicle design is concerned, but some industrial designers are breaking the convention, doing it here, and finding their own way. As is the case with Tavis Highlander, he didn't go to Art Center or to CCS, he went to Western Washington University for ID. Talent is not restricted to geography or to school.

He tells his story:

            “The automotive world and particularly the automotive aftermarket has always been one of my greatest interests since I was a kid.  I liked it so much that I set my sights on making a living within that industry.  It was at WWU that I took the first steps towards that goal by creating a unique junior year internship.  I was able to work on a corporate marketing vehicle design with Pure Vision owner Steve Strope as my first project that summer. 




55_Cad:  These are some sketches for a custom ’55 Cadillac Coupe de Ville that’s being built in California.  On many car projects I will design the interior, gauges, and the exterior modifications.

"Right after that I teamed up with Chrysler’s performance division, Mopar, to design valve covers for custom Hemi engines.  Those two unique projects forged relationships within the industry that are still strong to this day and have led to many more opportunities.  
65 Vette Interior:  A great customer of mine is Heartland Customs and they build some incredible Corvettes.  They also let me go wild when it comes to design work.  If I can draw it, they can build it.  This is one interior I've designed for them.
“After graduating in 2007 I started my own business, Highlander Concept Rendering.  From then on, things have slowly built up to the point where I have a nonstop workload of high-end custom car design and even some classic product design.  I get to work with a real variety of clients including magazines, hot rod shops, individuals, and large corporations.  Things are always interesting and challenging.  

Camaro_Crossovers:  Camaro Performers Magazine had me design a few “What if?” Camaros for a fun article in the magazine.
 “Recently my projects have been even more interesting than normal.  I’m working on many projects at once including designing such things as an automated pill dispenser, golf cart bodies, and a few custom muscle cars.  On top of that I am working on a new TV show as the designer and illustrator of the custom vehicles that will be on the show.”
Jimco_Truck:  I also get involved with motorsports teams like Vest Racing.  They have me design all of their race truck graphic schemes.
 See more of Tavis’ work at http://www.tavishighlander.com/ 

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