If you're looking for a mascot company near you, you're in luck! Mascots are a popular addition to events, parties, sports games, and even businesses. They can add a touch of entertainment and fun to any occasion. Having a mascot can help create a memorable experience for guests and make your event or business stand out from the rest. When searching for a mascot company near you, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, think about the type of mascot you're looking for. Do you want a friendly, cartoon-like character? Or perhaps a realistic animal mascot? Knowing the specific style you're after will help narrow down your options.
Even though Goldstein might not be highly involved with the design aspect anymore, she still looks forward to adding her creative touch when possible.
Greg Manger, Costume Specialists vice president and an Ohio State alumnus, said working internationally with license holders like Michelin and Kool-Aid to create ethical mascots helps strengthen their brand recognition and customer loyalty. The 35-employee team has created Peter Rabbit for The White House, designs for the Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Elmo for the touring Sesame Street show.
Do you want a friendly, cartoon-like character? Or perhaps a realistic animal mascot? Knowing the specific style you're after will help narrow down your options. Next, consider the experience and reputation of the mascot company. Look for a company that has a track record of providing high-quality mascots and excellent customer service.
Local business creates costumes and mascots for clients around the world
Greg Manger shows the file of Brutus Buckeye. Designers use the file as a reference for how to create the Ohio State athletic mascot. The documents date back to the 1980s when Costume Specialist first began creating Brutus. Credit: Lydia Freudenberg | Lantern Reporter
According to the calendar, it is socially allowed for adults to wear costumes in public Tuesday. But for Wendy Goldstein, an assistant professor in fashion and retail studies, costumes are a daily part of life.
Combining her lifelong love for theater with her sewing ability, Goldstein created Costume Specialists in 1981, right after she graduated from Ohio State with a master’s in fashion and retail studies, which at the time was called textiles and clothing.
Located in downtown Columbus in a three-story renovated warehouse, the company is the world’s only character and mascot company to produce both inflatable and foam handmade custom and rentable designs.
Goldstein said the inspiration for starting the company camewhile trying to create her own undergraduate major at Ohio State. The college denied her request to combine theater, fashion and art courses, claiming it could never make her a living.
“That was sort of the inspiration for me, it was sort of like, ‘Oh yeah? Watch me’,” Goldstein said laughing. “So afterward, … my husband and I decided to open a costume store together. He was going to be the business part and I was going to be the creative and do theatrical work, and that’s pretty much how we started.”
And she made a living.
Costume Specialists creates designs and prototypes of the costumes, forms the molds for mascot heads, cuts fabric electronically on a 35-foot table and hand-stitches small details like buttons and bows. Even maintenance, washing and shipping trunks are provided.
Lovierèe Simmons, the company’s production buyer and an Ohio State alumna, purchases all the materials needed to make the costume, from foam to a particle shade or texturized fabric. She said it can be stressful, but the work environment helps.
“When I first started, I didn’t believe there is that much that goes into a costume, but there are so many little things,” she said. “I like the creative environment, being able to come in every day and do something you love.”
The 35-employee team has created Peter Rabbit for The White House, designs for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Elmo for the touring “Sesame Street” show. And for the past few decades, the Brutus Buckeye head comes to life thanks to this local business.
Going beyond the United States., the company’s costumes have shipped to countries such as England, France, Turkey, Mexico, China and Japan.
Greg Manger, Costume Specialists’ vice president and an Ohio State alumnus, said working internationally with license holders like Michelin and Kool-Aid to create ethical mascots helps strengthen their brand recognition and customer loyalty.
“We typically don’t compete on price, we compete on quality and that is how we have carved out our niche in the industry by providing quality costumes and developing a relationship with these license-holders,” Manger said.
Manger personally delivered costumes to foreign countries to ensure the design arrives safe and in proper condition.
After 15 years with the company, Manger now oversees a lot of the daily work since Goldstein switched to long-range planning. Manger said he’s enjoyed working with Goldstein through the years.
“Wendy is very creative, she has that creative mindset, and has a good eye for business and opportunities,” he said.
Even though Goldstein might not be highly involved with the design aspect anymore, she still looks forward to adding her creative touch when possible.
“I love the creative process, without a doubt, and collaborating with the people I work with to create something from nothing,” Goldstein said.
After 15 years with the company, Manger now oversees a lot of the daily work since Goldstein switched to long-range planning. Manger said he’s enjoyed working with Goldstein through the years.
Reading customer reviews and testimonials can give you a better idea of what to expect. It's also important to think about your budget. Different mascot companies may offer different pricing options, so it's a good idea to get quotes from multiple companies to compare. Keep in mind that cheaper isn't always better - prioritize quality and experience when making your decision. Finding a mascot company near you can be as simple as conducting an online search. Many companies have websites where you can browse their mascot options, learn more about their services, and see examples of their work. Don't forget to check if they serve your specific location, as some companies may have geographical limitations. Finally, reach out to the mascot company directly to discuss your needs and ask any questions you may have. This can help you get a better sense of their professionalism and responsiveness. Overall, finding a mascot company near you can enhance your event or business and leave a lasting impact on guests. Take your time researching and comparing options to ensure you find the perfect mascot company for your needs..
Reviews for "How a Local Mascot Company Can Help Boost Your Business"
1. Emily - ⭐ - I had a terrible experience with "Mascot Company near me". The costume I rented was dirty and smelled awful. I had requested a specific character, but they sent me a completely different one. The performer inside the costume seemed disinterested and barely interacted with the children. Overall, it was a disappointment and I would not recommend this company to anyone.
2. Mike - ⭐⭐ - The customer service at "Mascot Company near me" was quite poor. They were unresponsive to my emails and it took forever to get a confirmation for my booking. On the day of the event, the mascot arrived late, causing a delay in our activities. Moreover, the costume looked worn out and it didn't fit the performer properly. It was definitely not worth the price and I wouldn't use their services again.
3. Sarah - ⭐⭐⭐ - While the mascot costume itself was decent, the overall experience with "Mascot Company near me" was subpar. The performer inside the costume lacked energy and enthusiasm. The children at the party were not engaged or entertained, and it felt like a wasted opportunity. Considering the high price charged by this company, I expected much better service. I would recommend looking for other options that offer a more lively and engaging experience.