Forget-Me-Not Flower for the Alzheimer’s Society In the News!

 Forget-Me-Not Flower for the Alzheimer’s Society with Toronto Mayer, Rob Ford and on Breakfast Television!

Postive feedback from our great clients!

The Mascotzentai Times team absolutely LOVES hearing from our clients after they have received their new mascot. So much love and detail goes into creating each custom mascot so when we see a photo of one of our creations we all feel proud. We are thrilled that Northeast Ohio Medical University had these kind words to say about their new “Walking Whale” mascot:

“Thanks for making us a wonderful new mascot! Our Northeast Ohio Medical University mascot costume, “The Walking Whale” is awesome! Check him out with his friends from Kent State University, the University of Akron and Cleveland State University!”

"Pioneer Mascot" Costume Update

On Tuesday we will receive the 2nddrawing from the Mascot Designer and a quote. If everything is in order, we will have the deposit paid and the costume ordered by the end of the week.

The costume is expected to be ready for the Colorado College game on Saturday, March 7th. We will be working with the DU Grilling Society (DUGS) and various student organizations to give the mascot a proper introduction.

 

$3,400 is in the bank already and another $1,200 in pledges are rolling in. The revised quote is expected to be higher than originallythought because we've made some modifications to the first draft (bigger arms, chest, more "athletic" build).

We still need donations of any denomination to raise several thousand more (WCHA Final 5, NCAA Tourney and Frozen Four are on the immediate horizon, providing the hockey team cooperates). Any donation of $50 will be matched by LetsGoDU.

The skin tone will be "ethnically ambiguous," which is becoming a standard in the mascot costume industry. We've received a overwhelminglypositive response from students who have seen the mascot design on the blog.

The color scheme for the mascot will match the popular "Welcome to Boontown" logo; crimson pants & shirt, gold/tan vest & black boots.

Make Your Mascot Talk!

Typically, mascot performers shouldn't speak while in costume. The main reason for this is because it is very difficult for your voice to be heard. Even when you're speaking loudly, the size of the mascot head and the insulation from the foam, etc will prevent your voice from being heard. However, if you'd like your mascot character to be able to communicate with people, there is a solution! You can invest in a mascot amplification system!

There are some great compact amplification systems that you can get that will make it easy for your mascot character to speak with patrons. They come with a headset including a microphone. But if you choose to purchase an amplification system so your costumed actor can communicate, it would be smart to have them use a special, cartoony voice. If your character just sounds like a regular person, it will be very boring and ruin the illusion of the character. Click here to go to a website that has different amplification options to use with your mascot!

How to run a mascot program

So you’ve been handed the mascot program and you aren’t exactly sure what to do. You’re now responsible for keeping the costume clean, staffing the costume, and scheduling appearances. Here is some basic advice:

1. Learn how to take care of the costume: Read our entry on “how to clean a mascot costume“. If this doesn’t answer your questions, feel free to contact us for specific cleaning advice. It is a good idea to designate an area for the costume to be hung to air out after use. Make sure that anyone you give the costume to knows how to properly clean a costume. A fur costume can easily be destroyed if someone puts it in a dryer.
2. Find a mascot performer: Review our “finding a mascot performer” entry. If you cannot find a consistent performer, you or other staff members may have to wear the costume. Make sure anyone who gets in the costume reads our “basic character development” entry. The less experienced performer you have the more attention you have to pay to them. Make sure they are comfortable in the costume, know to hydrate properly, and take proper breaks. We recommend 20-30 minutes on, 20 minutes off for outdoors, and 30-45 minutes on indoors with 20-30 minutes off for inexperienced performers. Heat sickness is a real concern for someone who does not yet know their limits. More experienced performers already know their comfort level.
3. Provide a mascot escort: Make sure your mascot always has an escort to assist them. This person is the mascot’s eyes and ears, seeing things the performer cannot (small children below eye level, steps, etc.) and assure their safety in case of unruly fans or other emergencies. This person should have a radio or some means to get in touch with you in case of an emergency. An escort also helps the mascot manage his/her props, preps contestants, and distributes giveaway items.
4. Set a schedule of fees: Establish the rate for your mascot at different types of events
   • Non profit
   • Sponsor events
   • Non sponsors
   • Private appearances (birthdays, deliveries, parades)
   • Community events (walk a thons, school/church festivals)
5. Create an appearance request form: The form should ask for
   • Event Name, date, time requested
   • Name of organization, type of organization (business, non-profit, private party)
   • Name of person making request (phone #, e-mail)
   • Name of on site contact (phone #, e-mail)
   • Address of event
   • Description of event
   • Expectations of mascot at event
6. Create an appearance confirmation form: This is the form you send out once the appearance is scheduled. It confirms the information provided on the request form, sets the appearance time and expectations, and informs the client:
   • If parking is an issue, please designate an assigned spot for the performer, preferably close to the event, as he/she will have a large bag to carry
   • You must provide a private place to for the performer to change.BATHROOMS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE since the performer may have to place parts of the costume on the floor while getting dressed and bathrooms are unsanitary.
   • If the crowd becomes unruly, or the performer fears for their safety, the appearance may be cancelled without refund.
   • Advertise the appearance as “between the hours of” to avoid disappointing people if the mascot has to take a break.
7. Maintain a master calendar:  Use Outlook, Google, Yahoo, or other calendar programs to keep a master schedule online. Allow your performers access to the schedule so they can manage their appearances. Send out a weekly e-mail reminder/schedule of events to keep your performers in the know and avoid missed appearances.
8. Create a payroll spreadsheet: Keep accurate records of appearances and hours to make sure your performers get paid properly. Advise your performers to keep track of their hours in case of an error.
9. Create a mascot program budget: Calculate expenses for the program. Items to consider
   • Payroll for appearances and escorts
   • Costume maintenance (cleaning, supplies)
   • New/replacement costume pieces
   • Mascot promotional items (t-shirts, tattoos, autograph cards)
   • Props
   • Mileage/travel expenses
   • Training for performers
10. Develop merchandise: Generate revenue with your mascot through sales of items such as dolls, t-shirts, hats, bobble heads, and more.
11. Develop community outreach programs: Decide how you want to impact your local community. Create programs to be performed at schools that encourage students to read, get active, recycle and more. Other popular school shows are anti-bullying and test taking techniques. Many programs rewards students with ticket vouchers to attend a game.
12. Work with sponsorship: Generate revenue through the sale of mascot related sponsorship  School programs, promotional items, and even an overall mascot sponsorship can bring in money for your organization. Read our “how to generate revenue with your mascot program” entry.
13. Work with marketing: Use the mascot to get your marketing messages out. Social media, publicity stunts, community events, charitable visits, all are ways to promote your character and brand.

Assistant Coach Proposes As Mascot During Midnight Madness

Directly from the YouTube description: Craig Heatherly, an assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Davenport University, dresses up as Pounce the Panther and proposes to his girlfriend and DU Dance coach Linaya Hass at the annual Midnight Madness for the start of Men’s and Women’s Basketball in 2012-2013.

 

H/t to DUPanthers.

Written By: Mascotzentai Blog

MONSTER’S Popcorn Count EXPLODES.. 108 and counting

108 and counting……………..

TEAM AWAITS THE OFFICIAL 100th and 101st bags

Web page approaches 20,000 hits

 

TEAM SAVED….

After weeks with no popcorn supply…………………………….. Mirror Monster popcorn counts resumes.  AND receive a gift from Ninja Sombreos.  MORE corn!

MirrorMonsters support local cub scouts Pack 194.  Their popcorn is nut free and safe for all team members.

Soul Man Brings Home the Blues!

This off-season the Philadelphia Soul animal mascot costumes, Soul Man, got a subtle upgrade to his look. Gone is the latex skin, velcro patches in his hair and batting gloves. Soul Man is softer, offers more mobility in his head (the old head pushed against his chest!), has fleece hands, and an electric blue zoot suit to add to his classic black button-down. Soul Man is now 100% washable, including his head!
Keystone Mascots even went a step further and offered embroidery for every logo mark, including his lapel wings, and an interchangeable hat band so he can always stay sharply dressed.
We are grateful for the Soul to give us the nod in upgrading their number one fan, and look forward to seeing him jazz up the turf for years to come!

Mascots and the Holidaze

 

Something always gets me excited when the holidays roll around. Back in 1980 I started on this crazy mascot journey as "Super Smurf" and "Azrael the Cat" from the Smurfs cartoon series for Boscov's Department Store of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. My first job was to play a part in a "Breakfast with Santa" skit, where Gargamel and Azrael stole Santa from the kids' party, but Super Smurf swept in to save the day.

Later each weekend night "Super Smurf" and Santa Claus flew across Main Street to Boscov's front door, chasing away mean ol' Gargamel and Azrael and saving Christmas for the Wilkes-Barre kids. And then after Christmas for a week I got to stroll around the department store, well-wishing the shoppers who were returning gifts, and enjoying my first paying job... as a ten-year-old!

Anyway, maybe that's where all the mascotty-Christmas stuff came about. Even in high school I was sewing up a Santa hat for my Comet mascot costume. I bought a cheap Santa suit in my freshman year at Kutztown and was disappointed with the quality of the trim, so I bought extra fur and re-sewed the white to be fluffy and bright!

Since then I've had the pleasure - and it is a pleasure - of making a number of mascot Santa suits for different characters. Enjoy the pictures, and if you want some prices or advices let me know!

Show the love.... bring in the fans!

You know, it's always more fun when the fans get involved. And fans don't necessarily mean "innocent bystander" fan. I love this video because Eddie looks so real, although I'll bet this was a scripted, rehearsed stunt.

Don't be afraid to bring fans into your fun. As a mascot, don't be afraid to be "showed up". BIG kudos to G-Man, who let his superhero powers be overshadowed this night.

Enjoy, and share the excitement!

Harlem Shake: Dayton, Iowa State, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Vanderbilt

At this point we’re not even trying to keep up, but here area few more. Of course, the school’s mascot is included in each of these videos.

Dayton:

Iowa State:

University of Florida:

University of Texas:

University of Wisconsin:

Syracuse:

Vanderbilt:

Assistant Coach Proposes As Mascot During Midnight Madness

Directly from the YouTube description: Craig Heatherly, an assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Davenport University, dresses up as Pounce the Panther and proposes to his girlfriend and DU Dance coach Linaya Hass at the annual Midnight Madness for the start of Men’s and Women’s Basketball in 2012-2013.

 

H/t to DUPanthers.

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Gangnam Style Gets McMaster-ed

We promise to keep posting these as we find them. Gangnam Style has hit Canada!

The latest parody comes from McMaster University, home of the Marauders. Mac the Marauder makes his first appearance at the 1:05 mark.

Enjoy! Eagle Mascot Costume

Tribe Pride welcome to the Griffin. Wrapup: the mascot search is over.

Wlliam & Mary’s new mascot, the Griffin, arrived on campus yesterday. Here, you’ll find a round up of some of the media coverage of our new mascot.

And you most assuredly don’t want to miss these on William & Mary’s YouTube channel:

• “Get me the Griffin“
• “Introducing the Griffin, the Tribe’s new mascot“

For me, I love the Griffin, and I’m happy we have a mascot (to be frank, any mascot).

But, right now, what I really feel is grateful. Because of the mascot costume search, I had my first opportunity to work with W&M’s Athletic Director, Terry Driscoll. Terry did a super job spearheading our effort and it was an immense pleasure to work with him. Many, many people worked behind the scenes on the W&M Mascot Search. They deserve our thanks for a fun, inclusive, and carefully-planned process.

• Mascot Search Committee
• W&M Athletics
• Creative Services
• University Relations
• Alumni Association
• College Communications Council
• Tribal Fever
• Brian Whitson, University Relations
• Joel Pattison, Creative Services
• Pete Clawson, W&M Athletics
• Eric Pesola, Alumni Association
• Amy Schindler, Swem Library
• Spencer Milne, W&M Athletics
• Pete Kalison ’57