Yes I designed most of the cars I put on here. They aren't just illustrations of my favorite cars or something. Most of the images you will find on here aren't very dynamic in terms of composition, because they are generally used for presentation. Sponsors and everyone involved need to see as much of the vehicle as possible, so that the layout is very clear on graphics. I try to get equal proportions for side, front, and top in my 3/4 view illustrations for maximum visibility.
Occasionally I'll do 'one off' pieces that are more dramatic, and used for an alternate purpose.
Most of what I do involves Vehicle graphics design and layout (both commercial and motorsports), Diecast graphics design & layout, Sell sheets/Printed matter, and Logos.
I Work almost exclusively in Coreldraw. Unless a layout calls for use of photography, all of my work is vector. I have included a sample oil painting I did a long time ago though, thats not automotive related. Very often i will do sketches by hand, and then redraw (or scan and trace over) the sketch in vector form. I don't generally use trace tools, as I spend more time cleaning them up than if I just went and drew it in the first place.
I did attend art college. I originally wanted to be an architect, but in 11th grade I opted to take some art courses for all my free periods. As a senior I won several awards (and some cash) as well as a 3rd place scholarship to Pratt Institute for computer graphics by entering a talent search contest because the application was free. Started college in 1988, but 3 years later I dropped out because I was too far in debt and couldn't afford the high tuition any longer. After working in several sign shops, I somehow ended up working with a decal company specializing in automotive graphics. By 1999 I had a steady client list and decided to go out on my own doing illustration & design catering mostly to motorsports.
I'm not really 'into' cars that much. I think they're a beautiful mix of form n function. But other than making sure my daily driver gets me form point A to point B and back, i don't tinker much with them, or race them or study/collect them or anything. In fact, I am usually so sick of drawing them after the new seasons begin, that I rarely catch a race or know what the latest gossip is.
I get my clients through referrals from other clients. I do almost no advertising with exception of placing my logo and copyright notice on all work I create.
My initials are R.P.M. hence the name of my company.
A couple years ago, my father gave me a few drawings as a birthday gift. They were drawings I did when i was 11 years old, and of all things, they were of indycars. I had to laugh, it's so funny how things turn, yet come back to where you started. They hang on my wall in my office now, and I should scan them/post them sometime soon.
I've had many people ask me for my original templates, so they could be used to create their own designs. I can't believe someone would claim they're artist enough to design a graphics scheme, but yet can't draw up a car of their own. These things don't draw themselves, computers are tools like any other found in your artbox. I don't give out original 3/4 view illustrations to anyone, including clients. They're vector, and I am more than willing to export any size, any resolution raster image needed.