Neal Thomas

What started as a fun little project between my friends & I soon turned into a full time position.

Every designers dream is to see his creation transformed into reality and be appreciated and loved amongst all. What followed was 21 Thousand Screaming Spectators, press bombardment, countless articles and features written World wide... Red Bull, Sky, BBC, ITV, Top Gear, the list is endless! All whilst donning a pair of man leggings!

We were selected from thousands of other hopeful entries to take part in The Red Bull Soapbox Race event to be held at Alexandra Palace in London on July 14 2013.

Our theme was based on the Transformers.
Team Name: THE AUTOBOTS – Welsh Blokes in Disguise!
Please view links provided to see the build from concept to reality.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautobotsuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/autobotsuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RQkiJzdPr4

The event Judges who we also got to mingle with included:
Christian Horner OBE, Team Principal, Infiniti Red Bull Racing
Rob Marshall, Chief Designer Red Bull Racing
Gee Atherton. Pro Downhill MTB Champion
Danny MacAskill, Street Trials Pro Rider

I played the role of Bumblebee (the yellow one) as Team Captain and Head Designer.
All of my ability's were put to the test; I was heavily involved with the project throughout.
The 3D Modelling of the Exterior and Graphics, the Design of Chassis, Axles, Steering & Breaks, The Character Design and Costume Build, Sourcing the Materials and the Idea behind the Stage Opening Performance.

75 Teams took part in the event.
We scored in at 24th place and were voted as the Best Costume Design.
I'm sure if our little Autobot army of fans had a say, we would have been ranked in the Top 5!

It was all together an awe-inspiring experience!
More seat padding required next time around!

Contracting on behalf of TSL Projects Ltd. The work was carried out at a Pharmaceutical & Medical Equipment site: Convatec Ltd based in Rhymney.
I was asked to update the original mechanical & electrical tender drawings and reproduce finalised drawings. This involved navigating the site, speaking with other sub contractors & engineers, taking notes and rough sketches then having to update the existing using Autodesk Autocad Mechanical.

My most challenging role to date: an Adventure Playground Designer for Children!
I had to employ a little help from my 5 year old niece to pull this one off!

I would be first given a rough briefing of the dimensions the playground, x amount of bays wide or tall etc, and for it's intended end user age group. The rest was all down to me.

I could chose my own theme for my first project I produced. A theme was already selected for by a client for another. I had to produce my own original graphics to suit throughout. I also needed to design soft play toy designs to go with the end theme.

My designs were intended as an Idea to sell to the clients. A separate Graphic Designer would later then be used to touch up the graphics for print ready artwork.

Graphics/ Character designs were first drawn by hand, and then touched up using Photoshop.
The design was then modelled and rendered using my preferred 3D modelling tool Autodesk Alias Automotive.

Designing M&E technical drawings of HVAC Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Schematic drawings through the use of Autodesk AutoCAD LT software.
Project management, and assisting with general enquiries.
Working alongside several Architecture companies throughout on different projects.
Assisting engineers on site builds, helping with installation, general handy person.
Giving guidance and support to staff members relating to computer applications.

Projects to date working alongside KFC, Co-operative, BMW Trainers Garage, Swansea Marina Meridian Tower.

Contract position in collaboration with Go-Wales placements. Later extended contract by company.

I was employed to create 3D Visualisations from a team of Engineers descriptions of a new Curbside Recycling vehicle from early concept stage through to final build.
Designs would later need to be animated to show their workings and be made into presentations.
Creating technical 2D Autocad engineering drawings & 3D visuals using Autodesk Alias Automotive.
I would also create/ help build working design prototypes in the workshop.
Projects included working alongside WRAP, Control Techniques, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Isuzu Motor company.

My 3D CAD work and animation presentation of the new ROTO 25 Curbside Recycling vehicle and kitchen waste vehicle were featured and displayed on the ISUZU Motor Company stand at
‘The Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition’ held in the Birmingham NEC show on the 11 - 13 September 2007.

Samples of my work were also featured under Ethical Innovatory Solutions in Resource
Magazine Issue 38 November-December 2007

I was given a brief to design a Promotional DJ Vehicle based on a Russian KamA3 KAMAZ 43269 BPM-97 Military MPV. A chosen design would be selected, then go on to be developed and built by the DAKAR Red Bull Engineering team.

I was tasked with producing 2D & 3D concept visuals of the Interior & Exterior by hand drawn sketching, Photoshop, Alias Automotive & Autocad.
Working alongside the Dakar Engineering company throughout to create technical engineering drawings to help problem solve/ create feasible working vehicles.
Was also later given the task of coming up with a design for a London Red Double Decker Bus design for possible future use.

Designs/ visuals have been featured in many magazines/ articles and internet sites globally.

Vehicles are sent and displayed to worldwide events e.g. Red Bull Air Shows, Music Festivals, Snow Boarding Championships etc

Due to the nature and confidentiality agreements, cannot include samples of technical engineering
drawings of military vehicle design projects in my portfolio.

Freelance/ Contract.
My first role after University.
Designing 3D Transport Concept Art to be sold as Mobile/ Computer Wallpaper and Printed Canvass Artwork.

I would supply the company with visually appealing images of my designs and then receive a percentage in sales of each image sold/ downloaded.

This time allowed me time to develop my skills in 3D Concept Modelling, generating several models to showcase in my portfolio. My name would also appear along side every image, and generated a lot of interest in various countries.

Solo Moto Motorcycle Magazine based in Spain caught glimpse of my Valerio Motorcycle concept and published it for their readers.

Seasonal worker. Bar Staff, Waiter, Life Guard and Entertainment