The Gumball Machine began as a lighthearted illustration for my studio, inspired by the idea that creative work often feels a bit like a vending machine for imagination: someone drops in a coin, and out comes something colorful, unexpected, and hopefully delightful for the viewing mind to chew on.

The accompanying process captures my typical illustration workflow: beginning with a simple concept, gathering visual references, establishing values, exploring color through hue shifting, refining the composition, and finishing with paint and polish. While every project evolves differently, this piece reflects the structured process behind even the most playful outcomes.