The Background
Our client Goldi Chickens in Gauteng, part of Astral Foods (the largest integrated poultry food chain supplier in Africa) approached us because their mascot had degraded due to wear-and-tear and needed replacement. Johannesburg, Gauteng is a tough environment and so durability was a real feature the client was looking for. As a premium mascot manufacturer, The Good Guise, a mascot design and manufacture company based in Gauteng, are all about durability and so we were keen to tackle this project.
In addition, Goldi Chickens also wanted to expand their brand-activation programme.
After careful examination of the worn condition of their existing mascot we were able to identify weak-spots and make the internal structure stronger without adding weight.
Furthermore, we developed a ‘personality’ for Goldi the mascot costume to the point where she would become a character, more than just a mascot. Goldi the mascot’s personality comes to life because of the attention to detail: her eyes speak volumes. Sexy, flirtatious, sassy and self-confident. What a bird.
The Good Guise are much more than just a mascot manufacturer. We are designers, developers and master craftsmen as well.
‘Gloria’ was the affectionate name given to Goldi Chickens mascot because she had become a personality, an embodiment of a classy chick. Yes, Gloria is a cut above the competition.
The Good Guise eventually made four Goldi mascots for use in Gauteng.
Construction
After starting the project, The Good Guise realized that the construction of the mascot would need to be engineered for the tough Gauteng conditions.
Mascots are much bigger than humans and require careful construction to ensure that they are light yet strong, while still allowing freedom of movement and not fatiguing the wearer.
In order to keep the weight down, we constructed an aluminium framework for the body’s chassis, making it sturdy and strong. The head was made of strong, but light fibreglass. See the moulds in the image above right. Such attention to detail and manufacturing techniques is not normal from most mascot manufacturers.
The beak was carved from hard foam. This is then overlaid in fibreglass and used as a ’plug’ to make a mould. The details are hand worked with the precision of a surgeon in our workshops in Gauteng. The character and details are glued and sewn on for maximum strength and durability. Try getting that sort of construction from other mascot manufacturers!
Every mascot is hand-crafted to perfection in every detail. Layers are built up to produce ‘depth’ and realism. You have to see The Good Guise work to understand the degree of love and care that goes into making each mascot.
Front, side and back. Whichever side you look at Goldi the mascot, you will see great details that create interest and attract people to look at the mascot.
And to top it off, The Good Guise can produce custom made bags so that you can carry your precious mascot wherever you go in Gauteng or nationally, keeping it clean and safe.
Whatever your needs, we are happy to work with you to design & develop a great solution. Because we believe The show must go on . . .