Design verses function…. I get requests from clients sometimes to make a mascot that I know will have vision or movement problems. I have found a lot of mascot companies just build it, and don’t tell the client the problems with the design, and work out a compromise or at least make the client aware of what the costumes limitations are. We work very hard to meet all our clients needs. We made a mascot for Workman’s Compensation Board. Photo one show the structure of the first mascot. photo two is the finished product of first mascot, photo three is the second design for movement. They requested it look very crisp, corners, cookie cutter look. The hands and feet were to look round. We had some design concerns. In order to accomplish the look they requested. The mascot would have very little movement. This was made very clear to the client. We got the go ahead to make three of them. They got them and found that other than parade floats or areas where the mascot was not required to move it was not going to work. We had advised them of this prior to making them. They now wanted a second designed mascot to be more flexable and it wasn't as important for it to be so crip looking. We worked with the client to have two style mascots. One as a body form style where the mascot would be able to run jump and move about very freely, and the second was the crisp animated look on there signage. Now they have two looks for one mascot and are very pleased. Communication is extremely important when you design a mascot. We watch for vision, comfort, flexibility, ease of care. If you have to send the darn thing out to be cleaned that is adding to your price. We spend up to an hour just getting the feel for where the mascot will be performing, who will be inside it. ( student, professional, or office staff) that makes a big difference when we make it. What is the personality of the mascot. We want to capture that too. It takes a lot of time and care to get it perfect and we are quickly developing the reputation for taking the time to care. We listen to our clients. It is unfortunate that many mascot companies are so busy on design they forget a very important ingredient comfort, safety and care.