school, OTC has seen numerous expansions, not only in cam- pus size (that today is over 600,000 square feet) but also in the type of training it has to offer. The various schools at OTC offer a wide range of training in Automotive Technology, Auto-Diesel Technology, Diesel Equipment, Welding, PowerS- port Technology, Generator Power Systems, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Classic Car Restoration and finally Custom Paint and Graphics.


The Custom Paint and Graphics program is housed in the Superior Building on the OTC campus. Within that building there is an area for didactic instruction, an area for pin- striping, an area for applying sealer and base coats and of course, a dedicated airbrush area. There is also a shared workshop area for larger collaborative vehicle projects con- ducted by various divisions at the school.


The pinstripe area.


The Custom Paint and Graphics program can be taken as a three month, 300 clock hr, 12 week stand alone certificate program or is incorporated as a mandatory curriculum of- fered within the Collision Repair and Refinishing program. Pat Downey is the Director of the Custom Paint and Graph- ics program. I first met Pat at my skull airbrushing weekend seminar. His enthusiasm is unwavering in advancing this art form and sharing his techniques. At that point in time I was a newbie with a numerous questions. Pat patiently and thoroughly answered all my questions as well as shared the types of specific products he uses daily so I could obtain pro- fessional results in a minimal amount of time.


Pat Downey (left) and OTC’s newest airbrush instructor Pete Gonzales.


The program gives an all encompassing exposure to cus- tom painting techniques and graphics. The program builds in complexity as the student progresses, utilizing and rein- forcing all techniques learned. The main skills learned in- clude pinstriping, airbrushing skulls, realistic fire, traditional flames, and vinyl graphics. The mastering of these tech- niques gives the aspiring artist a solid foundation to enter the custom paint and graphics industry. Mr. Faye Pivoda, an accomplished sign maker and pin- striper with 30 plus years of experience, is responsible for coordinating the pinstripe training. He teaches the various styles of pinstriping as well as appropriate materials and equipment used to accomplish the task. There is emphasis placed on basic pinstriping skills and on solid practice hab- its. This strong foundation allows the student’s basic skills to progress to more advanced layout designs with multiple colors and lettering. As an initial exposure to airbrushing, the student learns the mechanics of and the different types of airbrushes as well as the obligatory dot, dagger, and line practice that newbies become all too familiar.


The airbrushing area.


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