3D boba barista

An original 3D character concept. Designed, modeled, and rigged in Maya.

Meet the boba barista

This is a web-optimized version of the model that may not perfectly reflect the original Maya scene.

Concept & inspiration

I was tasked with creating an original character for a 3D design project. I guess I just figured—I like red pandas... I like boba... why not a red panda that makes boba?!

Modeling

I built the whole thing from scratch in Maya, starting from the basic cubes and working my way up. From blocking out major sections to refining the topology to UV unwrapping and texturing, each stage was a new challenge.

The big priority throughout was readability. I wanted clean geometry that would hold up under deformation and a texture palette that felt warm and characterful without being overly detailed. Soft materials, warm tones, nothing trying too hard.

Rigging

Rigging was the part that broke my brain the most. Getting joints, weights, and controls to actually behave the way you want is a lot harder than it looks, and I'm still not sure I got it right. lol

I eventually got it to a state that I was satisfied with. It can stretch and wave!

Fun fact! When they feel threatened, red pandas stand up and extend their claws to look bigger and more dangerous. (source)

Reflection

I came into this with a background in software and design, comfortable with systems thinking and design patterns, but not in 3D. This project closed a gap I didn't fully appreciate was there.

Modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, and rigging a full character in one project is genuinely a lot. I have a much deeper respect for professional 3D artists and game developers now. The characters and environments in games I've always just taken for granted look completely different to me on the other side of this. Really talented people built those, and it shows.

This project didn't make me an expert, but I'm proud of what came out of it! It's made me want to keep exploring the world of 3D, and maybe one day build something with it.