Marker Renderings

I was contracted to do a series of digital marker renderings for presentation to Benjy Steele. I proposed a time-line theme that would showcase the appropriate decade of each motorcycles on the stage. Benjy's enthusiastic response to the concepts put the shelved project back on track to become reality, and the project planning begins.

Blueprint of Stage Layout

Gerry Cattaneo consulted with me on the initial concepts for the Harley project, brainstorming the use of curved stages that border the room. A blueprint to scale was developed to begin ironing out the size and placement of stages, and to study traffic flow. Benjy Steele required that the stages must not protrude into the room beyond 4 ft., and that the room be usable for hosting parties. Production issues were addressed and a time table for manufacturing was established.

3 Dimensional Model

I modeled and rendered the interior space of the warehouse, using architectural blueprints for dimensions. At this point, I suggested the black ceiling, walls, & floor. I wanted the fiber optic lighting to stand out in the room, and for the stages to be the brightest spots in the room. I visited Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of fame to see lighting, traffic flow, and to study ideas for making the motorcycles viewable, but safe. The handrail sweep idea was formed, and prototypes were started.

Original Warehouse

The Active Metal Team visited the warehouse to take measurements and make recommendations on specs for lighting, flooring, ceiling colors, etc. Contractors were already starting to remodel the building structure, and we had to determine details of the construction and fabrication of the stages. Motorcycles were studied for size, weight, and placement on the stages. A list of bikes that would be displayed determined the placement of each time-line stage.

Fabrication and Manufacturing

I worked closely with the metal fabricators as construction began. The curved-contour concept had to be worked out practically. The wood/metal structures had to be sturdy, portable, and had to contain the fiber optic system of lighting. Active Metal had never attempted to light such a large area with fiber optics, and determinations about quality of light, amount of light, distances the cables had to travel and where the illuminator would sit all had to be configured. Jim Kline, President of ProModel was experimenting with how to make the lighting illuminate the motorcycles.

3Dimensional Rendering of Stages

I worked on design concepts for each stage, and modeled them in Maya 3D. The client could approve the themes as the construction of the stages began. Each decade of Harley-Davidson history was represented by multiple motorcycles, so placement of the restored bikes was critical. I was determining how stage design would coordinate with specific bikes. Many determinations were made from the 3D models, including height of the stages, how the protective rails would work, and the design and placement of graphics.

3Dimensional Rendering of Stages

The design concept of each decade had to be approved in the 3D model stage, so that production could begin on the decorative "skin" of each of the stages. The diner-car styled 3D model showed checkered tiles, chrome, and neon-light lettering for the top banner. I researched materials that could be used to match the look of the approved 3D model rendering

3Dimensional Rendering of Stages

Benjy Steele had various memorabilia that he wanted displayed with each corresponding decade, and with the appropriate motorcycles on that stage. Posters, clothing, antique mannequins, engines, and Fine Art had to be coordinated. I was photographed and composited each motorcycle into the Maya 3D rendering for a complete look.

Installation Begins

The various elements of the final stages were shipped to the site so that installation could begin. What had only existed as a virtual model had to fit together properly in reality in order for the total concept to work.

3D Model of Informational Kiosk

I developed the concept of a back-lighted kiosk to provide informative history in front of each motorcycle stage. Active Metal wanted the stands to compliment the feel of the themed interior. I modeled how the light box would set on supports, how high it should be, how it would be supported by the rail, (but removable). This helped the manufacturing team build the unit to fit the stages.

Informational Kiosk

I designed a graphic layout for the information that Benjy wanted included on the information kiosks. I used photos of each displayed motorcycle, supported by Harley-Davidson historical facts. I worked closely with the copywriter, Lynn Rist of Benjy's Harley-Davidson, finishing only days before the Museum's scheduled opening. Lee Hayes, Columbus, Ohio, printed the final back-lit material.

Photo of the 1930's Stage

I airbrushed the header and backdrop of the final 1930's stage, using an old photo of Rt 66 for reference. The painted road extends forward onto the base of the stage under the motorcycles. Tank designs featured on the original 1930's era Harley displayed on this stage inspired the stage header graphics. I used Bulletin sign painters colors on sign painters aluminum-core panels.

Photo of the 1940's Stage

I chose a muted palette of warm gray for the backdrop of the World War II-era stage. Benjy's two war-time motorcycles are displayed on the corner stages next to this 1940's stage, and post-war Harley's are positioned in front of limited edition prints that depict these same bikes.

Photo of the 1950's Stage

I selected checkered tiles, red vinyl seating materials, and flooring for the diner-car inspired Fifties stage. The look was enhanced by Neon lights and chrome on the header. I had the stage painted in turquoise to compliment the colors of the 1950's motorcycles on display.

Photo of the 1960's Stage

I used the colors and look of the flower-power sixties for stage representing the turbulent 60's era. Benjy propped it with actual memorabilia from the Easy Rider movie, including a leather jacket and signed movie posters.

3Dimensional Portable Stage

Benjy requested a portable stage that would display a motorcycle and artwork. He needed to be able to disassemble and relocate the stage inside his dealership in an neighboring building. He wanted the fiber optic lighting included as a feature on the stage. Lighting, cables, and a demonstration of stage assembly are shown in this 3D model.

Final Portable Stage

Benjy's lovingly restored 1930's era antique Harley-Davidson is displayed on a portable stage, backed with an original oil painting of the same motorcycle.