The final smartphone renders.

Michael DiTullo recently released a three-part video series with Autodesk and Wacom that shows how he takes a concept design from thumbnail sketch to final render using Fusion 360 on a Wacom Cintiq Pro. DiTullo is the epitome of a “Jack of All Trades” when it comes to industrial design. Over the span of his two-decades-long career, he has truly designed it all—from footwear for Nike to speakers for Polk Audio to a design language for ICON. Needless to say, whenever DiTullo gives an insight into his personal Fusion 360 design process, we listen up.

Episode 1: Thumbnail Concepts

In the first episode, DiTullo walks through his thumbnail sketching process in Autodesk Sketchbook. While he sketches, he discusses the real-time design considerations he makes in order to create a new product that hasn’t been done before. At this stage, he’s already considering details like hand feel and unique features.

Episode 2: Concept CAD Model

Next, watch DiTullo build a fast initial CAD model based on his thumbnail sketches in Fusion 360. The end result doesn’t include internal components, but it is a great way to visualize and share an initial idea with stakeholders before getting started with final touches.

Episode 3: CMF and Rendering

Speaking of final touches, the final episode shows DiTullo as he renders his initial CAD model. This episode focuses on how DiTullo toggles back and forth between the design and model spaces in Fusion 360 while developing a silky smooth CMF (color, material, and finish) palette for his smartphone concept. 

To expand upon his design process even further, DiTullo joined us for a couple of Instagram Live interviews, including a session dedicated to rendering. Both interviews can be viewed here.

This series is a great instructional tool to follow along while bringing your concept from thumbnail sketch to render. Design your own product using DiTullo’s process as a reference by starting your free trial of Fusion 360 today.