Texas State Technical College's (TSTC) auto collision and management technology program in Waco, TX, is transforming students into skilled artists with airbrushes. According to Jesse Hildebrandt, an instructor at the Waco campus, mastering the fine, detailed spray techniques of airbrushing can lead to a lucrative career in custom automotive work.
“Airbrushing uses a fine, detailed version of a spray gun that allows precision in artwork,” Hildebrandt explained. Students in the program learn to control these tools to create everything from small graphics to large designs on vehicles of all sizes.
The specialized refinishing techniques class teaches students how to handle airbrushes connected to air compressors, pour paint into the fluid cap, apply the correct pressure to the main lever, and properly clean the equipment.
“Airbrushing and spraying with a paint gun are all about control and technique,” Hildebrandt added. “Once you find out how to control your spray patterns, you can even use your spray gun for larger-scale murals.”
Hildebrandt said having artistic vision and being attentive to detail are keys to successful airbrushing.
“The ability to transfer an idea or image from your mind to display for everyone to see is really amazing,” he said. “In the car world, all I see is art. The way color is laid out on a car or motorcycle is an art. When someone airbrushes a mural or design on a vehicle, people can’t help but stop and look at it because it draws you in.”
For students like Esme Guerrero and Isaiah Palacios, the program has opened new avenues for their artistic talents.
Guerrero, inspired by her father's baby blue lowrider bearing a mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe, is now in her third semester pursuing an associate's degree in auto collision and management technology with a refinishing specialization.
“It’s what your own hands can do,” Guerrero said. “Airbrushing is a different art.”
Palacios, a third-semester student, is also working towards an associate degree in the refinishing specialization. With a passion for cars, shoes and art from a young age, he relishes the opportunity to further develop his airbrushing skills.
“Who can tell you that your art is not perfect? Art is not just one thing; it is anything,” Palacios remarked.
Texas State Technical College's auto collision and management technology program offers associate degrees with specializations in refinishing and repair, as well as certificates of completion. Registration for the fall semester is ongoing. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
