Making Cents, Making Change:
Gumballs for Good
I imagine when we think of gumball machines as adults, we think of the pizzerias and arcades we visited as children.
But what if we brought that joy to unexpected places, for people of all ages… and what if we dispense something that has a positive impact?
That was what got the (gum)ball rolling on this project.
On desktop, the spring/summer and winter/fall create a unique rotating border, but on mobile, you can see one at a time. Below, I go into the design and impact of both.
You might ask- what came first? Did I purchase a gumball machine or acquire one through some unusual circumstances, like the tug of fate at an estate sale or an unknown great-aunt’s will bequeathing me an antique machine from a bygone era?
It was the idea first- of helping pollinators. At the risk of sounding dire, scientific studies have published declines in butterfly populations, decline in bee populations, and threats to bats as well.
I strongly believe that bats are incredibly misunderstood, highly vital nocturnal pollinators. Regardless, the reason for all pollinator species decline or illness were varied, but increasing food sources and habitat was a positive for all.
My idea was to create a design for a gumball machine that would dispense seedbombs filled with native wildflower seeds to help pollinator populations.
A seedbomb was a combination of organic compost, red clay, and wildflower seeds native to western Oregon and Washington- perfect for the Portland metro area. I made big batches, let them dry, and packaged them in reusable Easter eggs. The clay kept them from crumbling, but they would fall apart and be able to grow once watered.
Getting Started: Spring and Summer
Front and side panel design featuring Chee by OH no Type Co. and Futura
Balancing Chee’s extreme playfulness with the timelessness of Futura felt like the right combination to balance both the seriousness of the project (the bees are dying) with hope (but we can help them).
The design is reminiscent of the “flower power” energy of the 1960s and 1970s, but fresh and bright. I wanted to create something that felt both on-trend yet nostalgic. A design that was friendly, inviting, and eye-catching.
The flowers on the main panel were cut out with an xacto knife after printing so the capsules could peep out. The side panels were also designed to be less wide than the front to show more of multicolored contents of the dispenser.
Before getting started, I began to do research (was this already available? I found out not around here). So I called shops nearby to see if anyone was interested in hosting a gumball machine. Living in the heart of the Pacific Northwest meant finding a sympathetic space wasn’t impossible- both because many of us do enjoy hugging trees, but also because there is a plethora of establishments whose customer profile and brand align with having a seedbomb-dispensing gumball machine.
I found a cafe and it was a big hit! When I went in to refill and collect the change, I was told it was a great conversation starter and a fun experience. When the weather started to turn the first year, I brought the machine home and let it stay dormant for the winter. But the next year I brought it back in the spring with a new idea for the winter.
Changing for the Seasons: Fall and Winter
The gumball machine evolved the second year it was in rotation when I developed a new concept for winter.
I was curious if I could somehow weave animal welfare into the sustainable work I had been doing with the dispenser. What could I possibly give people that was sustainable, and could help animals, though? I debated creating resin or clay animals, but resin is a plastic and my skill with clay is undetermined.
After some thought, I decided to experiment with broken crayons I picked up from a resell shop in town. By using silicone molds, I was able to create little crayon animal figurines. They could be put on a shelf like a tchotchke, or used in doodling/drawing/coloring because they were, at the end of the day, still crayons. The idea was supported by the cafe the dispenser was in, so I was approved to change it when it got too cold for planting.
Finding the right size figurines was surprisingly difficult. I ended up making many from silicone myself which I could reuse countless times.
With a more simple concept and just one face plate design, I let the idea of the gumball machine carry itself. The description is written in it’s title, along with the price and its purpose, so all information is included within the design.
Typefaces used were Cowboy and Santa Fe by Meg Burk. These typefaces were inspired by her time spent in New Mexico which appealed to me, finding myself similarly entranced by the American Southwest (there is a reason why New Mexico has been called the land of enchantment). Personal attachment aside, I found these typefaces to be remarkably versatile.
These typefaces paired well with the pencil detail in the doodle of the cats and dogs. The round lettering gave an approachable and human touch to a design meant to reach everyone.
