6/10/07
Remembering that I needed to have something to send my step-dad for Father's Day
the idea came to me to create a coffee cup on Zazzle with the theme of filling up the
cup for only pennies a gallon, in juxtaposition to the high price of gas.
First I thought I'd just find a picture off the internet, but then thought it'd be fun modeling it myself.
The model is referenced loosely after an old Texaco gas pump in it 's main features though most of the details
are a mix of various ideas and reference images.
Started by defining the basic shape of the pump using various sized rectangles at their height.
Then, using PowerNURBS' PBlend I connected the shapes to create the pump object,
with the capping ends feature selected. I used an extruded rectangle as the shape used to boolean
the opening in the face where the digits and other indicators are read.
The concrete base is a chamfer box.
Booleaned out what I am calling the reader face to allow the digits to show through.
My method for creating this type of opening with face behind and glass in front is to
create the object shape for the boolean, then duplicate that before doing the boolean operation to have
a piece that fits the opening exactly, lowering the extrude amount and move it into the place it needs to be.
I follow the same method to create the glass object , then do the boolean.
Have dirtied up the reader face which will show in further renders.
Here I've created the top window where the "premium" label appears.
Label in place.
Created the texture map in Photoshop and applied to model main object.
Applied texture map for main reader face. Hmmm, some missing letters in render, though they are on the map.
Dirtied map.
Spent some time developing this rather elaborate branding sign, but decided it was too complicated to use since it wasn't going to be clear
on the final object . Also, seen the top globe object.
Thought at first I'd use this lightning bolt as the brand icon, but since Crystal Flash (limited to the state of Michigan as far as I can tell)
has a lightning bolt as part their logo, decided it wasn't appropriate.
Decided on this object from Photoshop library with some effects I put together.
Didn't get a good grasp of the actual shape of the pump handle, except to outline and extrude it.
Works ok, but the main thing about the model I'm not as satisfied with as I'd like.
Still going to be ok for my use since it's not going to be a high resolution image.
Final version with hose, holder and other handle details, as well as
lead label and finishing pieces on the face.
Done.
After all that I decided I like the label plates on the pump more straight forward, so just greyed them a bit and left them plain.
Image uploaded for coffee cup at half resolution.
What the mug looks like with red handle and ring.
You can customize and order this mug below.