The 1980’s Carousel gumball machine is a classic design commonly seen throughout many of our childhoods. I decided to create my own CG version as an in-depth modeling and materials study. I scoured the internet for any and all references that would help me reconstruct its shape and textures as closely as possible. The part of the modeling that proved the most challenging was the intricate front panel which I first recreated as vector art in illustrator before processing it in 3D to get the final effect.
For the materials I really focused on adding subtle imperfections and wear to achieve a natural/used look. References were key in this step of the process.
The gumball machine was created as part of a larger idea I had for my final project in my lighting, materials, and rendering class. I pictured a miniature world encapsulated inside of this gumball machine. The terrarium-like world came equipped with tiny a person living inside who had built themselves a little house and occasionally ventured out of their safe haven to explore the outer world.
