Next Dimension: Karen’s Drums

Badum-tish! In not really knowing what to make or draw over the past few days, I thought I’d try something that looked quite simple – a drum kit. I’d been meaning to have a go at one for some time now, anyway. Of course, it wasn’t long before I realised that any impression of simplicity was hugely deceptive, but perhaps with the intention of sparking productivity this wasn’t such a bad thing.

Well, really it was more long-winded than particularly challenging, but of course with my attention span that can be an obstacle of its own! The most trouble I had was the texturing. Perhaps it was foolish to make all the textures from scratch when the pre-sets I’m sure could have covered the tasks for me, but I wanted to give this a go. Apart from the cymbals, which didn’t work out too happily at all, I feel it went okay. The nickel drums themselves could perhaps be a bit sparklier – the lighting may actually hold some responsibility here, as the drums are very bumpy, noisy and reflective and probably should sparkle…

Naturally and as I’d hope is clear, I went for Karen Carpenter’s Ludwig set from the very early days of The Carpenters. I’ve always thought these supremely cool – I mean, who wouldn’t love a set of drums with their name on? Indeed, I’d quite like a drum kit and now I’d be sure to get out a marker pen and scribble my name on the bass to mimick Karen. I’m not sure I’d be any good but it’d be fun to have a go, I’m sure. Another thing for the ever-growing ‘rich list’!

Karen was a fantastic drummer. Of course as the popularity of The Carpenters soared, her iconic voice took priority, and it seems that she was pulled away from them. A real shame that is, too – she always seems so much happier behind the drums.

• 3d
• Art
• carpenters
• cinema 4d
• drum kit
• drums
• karen carpenter
• music