2. December 2022. • CREATIVE

SECRET LIFE OF MASCOTS

Visualization and choosing the manufacturing technology

In order to best understand your wishes, it is important for us to visualize the character and the mascot itself.

It can be an example that you found on the Internet, an already existing mascot that needs to be copied or a drawing that we create together, from scratch. On such a drawing, we will indicate where the person is positioned in relation to the mascot, the technique of functionality and the choice of colors. Materials are selected according to the season of the year the mascot will be used in.

Construction and selection of materials

When the material is selected, we start constructing the parts. In order to achieve the desired design and functionality, a large part of the production goes to the preparation of the structure itself. Each mascot is different, and its appearance is affected by shape, size and purpose, and accordingly it depends on what material the mould will be made of. It can be made of one or more parts, made of high-quality sponge, while for simpler mascots we use fabric and cotton wool.

Cutting and assembly of tailoring parts of the mascot

After the cardboard parts representing certain segments of the mascot’s body are made, they are drawn on the sponge and it is cut out. We glue several thin surfaces in order to achieve the desired shape. Creating and connecting the cut parts is an important step, because we get a glimpse of how the mascot will look.

In addition to checking the functionality, this is the last moment when we can make corrections and work on details by gluing additional layers to give the impression of a bigger belly, stronger legs and the like. As for the head, the most important thing is to ensure comfort when carrying and moving the head, while comfort is ensured by the sponge lining. In this phase, the details of the head itself are also worked out, and the most important thing is to check the field of vision located in the area of the mascot’s eyes or mouth.

Sewing and application of details and decorations

In this phase, we create and add small details that define the impression of the mascot’s liveliness (sparkle in the eyes, headpieces, gloves and shoes). We also print on the mascot’s clothes or the mascot itself and sew a bag for transporting the mascot made of breathable material, for easier and safer storage.

Maintenance

To extend the lifespan of the mascot, in addition to wearing it conscientiously, a high priority should be taking care of it when it is not in use. With just a few simple rules, it is possible to avoid both minor damage during handling, as well as irreversible damage caused by moisture (mould) or even the appearance of bacterial or insect habitats during rest.

inspection after each use

After each use (wearing), the mascot needs to be thoroughly inspected. With a detailed review, you can get an insight into a number of things: how the mascot was handled during the last event, whether the maintenance was carried out according to the planned procedure, and with this in mind, determine the next steps when planning a new storage.

airing and/or disinfection

Apart from the visible damage on the outer part of the mascot, the greater danger lies in the inner part. One of the indispensable steps should definitely be airing and occasional internal disinfection due to bacteria or unpleasant odors.

Airing is best done in the fresh air, preferably immediately after wearing, and as far as disinfection is concerned, it is advisable to use professionally selected disinfectants so that the materials or connecting points on the construction are not damaged and as such are dangerous for the animators who wear them.

Instead of disinfectants, it is better to use gentle clothes fresheners on the outer and inner parts of the head, body, shoes, gloves, while disinfectants are the solution when it comes to the accumulation of moisture, mould or insects. It is important that a wet or sweaty mascot is not stored in a bag (or box, closet) without prior airing and drying.

cleaning

Wearing the mascot varies depending on the period of the year, but it is easy to conclude that more events and promotions will be scheduled during warmer days.

However, as the danger of moisture accumulation and the use of liquid agents without sufficient drying of the mascot was mentioned earlier, it is important to note that soaking the mascot with a large amount of liquid can lead to tearing or separation of the material due to the weight of the soaked sponge. That is why mascots should be cleaned in authorized dry cleaners with professional machines and staff.

If it is about minor impurities, they can also be removed by hand with milder chemical means, with extra caution.

repairs

All small repairs, gluing with quick-drying agents or patching the outer material with a needle (seam tearing or fabric cracking), can be done on site and is not a big problem at the moment. However, in order for the mascot to be used as long as possible, even the smallest damages should be repaired immediately upon their appearance. That’s why checking the mascot after each use is important.

Tearing of the mascot over time cannot be avoided, due to the specificity of the material: tearing and lack of elasticity of the sponge, material color change due to exposure to the sun, deformation of details (such as eyes, print, accessories…). Such parts are easier to replace than to try to repair them. In some cases it will still be the original mascot, but sometimes the same design can/should be remade.

storage

In addition to all the previously mentioned steps, the one that is perhaps considered the most important, is storage. In the last stage, it is important that the mascots are placed in a breathable bag or box/container located in a dry place. The packaging itself should be done without pushing or excessive force, as well as without folding the sponge, so as not to deform the appearance of the mould.

It is also suggested that smaller parts (especially the head) be placed on the upper side or even in the body of the mascot, if the opening is large enough. One of the reasons why you should be especially careful with the head is that it usually contains most details.