This project was inspired by computers, keyboards, oscilloscopes, as well as science fiction devices. The goal was to create sci-fi looking gadgets that are tangible and lifelike, but still have some elements of imagination.
Cinema4D, Redshift, X-particles, Illustrator, After Effects
I wanted them to look techy and industrial, with copious buttons, knobs, sliders, and most importantly, wires. I was fascinated by the combination of hard geometric shapes and organic, flowing wire splines. Color was an important focus point. I wanted the machine bodies to look rather plain, with strong, color-popping highlights.
Imaginary Machines
The first in the series (top left video), features real world scanned stickers. Both videos on the right feature custom recorded sounds.
Imaginary Machine 01
Imaginary Machine 02
Imaginary Machine 03
Imaginary Machine 04
Process Images
Imaginary Machine 02:
experiments with color and liquid material types
Project review
Modeling with boole objects was very ineffective. I tried to bevel the sharp edges, but the geometry was unevenly distributed and the edges were not clean. Spending the time to poly model assets correctly was a more successful approach. Using Volume Builder and Mesher/subdivision surface helped with the more tricky components. Assets are poly modeled with a few exceptions that are made using volume builder & mesher.
Inspiration
This project started because of my fascination for oscilloscopes and their ability to visualize sound waves. I wanted to use the visual of waves on an oscilloscope and turn those into a 3D object, as well as steal some inspiration from keys and knobs of Midi keyboards. Another real life inspiration I took was from solar panel warning stickers, that I scanned and applied as textures to the sides of the first machine. Balancing the space for the controls on the device was important so there was not too much going on in one place. I also tried to keep ergonomics in mind, for instance by not placing controls too far in the back and rounding the front surface.