Cathedral Vintage Radio 1930s
Radio Clock
SAWyer Like
Cathedral Vintage Radio 1930s is a realistic 3D hero prop study focusing on complex material differentiation and texture mapping. Modeled after early 20th-century cathedral-style tabletop radios, the project showcases realistic texture creation authored in Photoshop, accurate bump and normal map workflows for deeply carved wood and fluting, alpha-masked speaker grilles, and distinct surface responses across tarnished brass, glass, aged varnish, and molded knobs.
The brief
Concept & Art Direction
Rooted in early 20th-century consumer electronics, the project centers on recreating an authentic "tombstone" or cathedral radio cabinet. The design balances formal Art Deco architectural lines—such as fluted side pilasters and stepped crown moldings—with functional vintage audio hardware. The visual goal is grounded realism: conveying the tactile history of a well-kept collector's piece through subtle varnish wear, dust accumulation in the crevices, aged printed paper dials, and oxidization along metallic rims.
Production
3D Modeling, Texturing & Shader Pipeline
- Hard-Surface Modeling: Constructed the arched cathedral chassis, fluted pilasters, stepped base, and dial hardware with clean, game-ready topology.
- Photoshop Texturing: Authored diffuse maps in Photoshop, capturing natural walnut grain direction, edge wear, and vintage dial typography.
- Bump & Normal Mapping: Generated high-frequency relief to convey open wood grain pores, dial engravings, and woven speaker cloth.
- Alpha Channel Masking: Leveraged alpha masks for the speaker fretwork and acoustic mesh cutouts to minimize polygon density.
- Material Shading: Calibrated distinct surface responses across lacquered wood, aged dial glass, weathered plastic knobs, and tarnished brass.
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