• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Car Interiors: From Drawing to Reality

September 5, 2012 By Naseem

Like artists painting canvas, auto trimmers design car interiors by choosing from a vast palette of colors and textures. However, the combinations we choose – or advice our customers to choose – aren’t always easy to explain without reference. That’s why I always advice trimmers to use illustrations.

Drawing out your ideas allows for both you and your customers to experiment with colors and patterns before ordering materials or sewing a single stitch. It also helps to ensure that both parties are on the same page when it comes to design, and have similar expectations for the end result.

To get started, all you need is paper, color pencils and some creativity.

Don’t worry if you’re no Vincent van Gogh. Even the most basic of sketches can help iron out the details of an impending build. After all, the drawing is only going to be used as a reference point, not hung in an art gallery.

Tech savvy trimmers may even want to consider using design software. These range from the very basic and easy to use, like Microsoft Paint, to the very complex, like AutoCAD. However, the most commonly used are CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator.

Regardless of whether you choose to illustrate your design ideas by pencil or computer, one thing’s for sure – doing so can ultimately save you time and money.

Need inspiration? Check out the following illustrations by Carlex Design:

Filed Under: Archive, Better Business, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Adobe Illustrator, Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, AutoCAD, Car Interior, Carlex Design, CorelDraw, Microsoft Paint

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros
  • Albright's Supply
  • Hyde Leather
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery News - Brent Parker Motor Trimming Door Panels

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

Over the last few weeks, we’ve followed … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - SideEffect Ltd - 1971 Pontiac Firebird

1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

In need of some inspiration? Check out this … [more] about 1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

The Hog Ring - 3 Ways Trim Shops Can Increase Profits

3 Ways Trim Shops Can Increase Profits

Auto upholstery shops that generate a lot of … [more] about 3 Ways Trim Shops Can Increase Profits

Custom Dashboards Made to Order

Most auto trimmers have the knowledge and … [more] about Custom Dashboards Made to Order

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Trim by Fisher

Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?

What follows is a touching personal account … [more] about Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?

The Hog RIng - How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

Want to learn how to bind an isolated hole in … [more] about How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Auto Interior Manufacturer Expands Alabama Operation, Signals More Jobs
  • Hydes Leather Introduces Their 3D Mesh Spacer Fabric
  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • Chinese Automaker Patents Slide Out Toilet for Drivers Who Can’t Hold It
  • The Foam and Adhesives Industry’s Biggest Event Returns in June

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in