Question 1

Let's start with the question on everyone's lips..........how much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, lets set the record straight, everything we sell is custom made, using high quality materials and over 30 years of concentrated hard slog behind a sewing machine and glue gun. A good guide for most mascots would be $6,000 to $9,000 but we can build mascots to fit most budgets providing we are being paid for what we do. We don't import our costumes from Asia, almost everything we sell is made by our wonderfully talented team, led by Denise in our workshop just North of Auckland.

Question 2

How long will it take for my mascot to be made?

Accepted Answer

Most of the mascots you can see on our site have taken anywhere from 50 to 100 hours to put together. We are often working on multiple projects at once so lead times do vary depending on what other work we have on. Its not uncommon for us to be working on 20-40 different projects (yes its mindboggling to think there are that many mascots in NZ). 
We will do our best to work with you to rush something through if you are working to a tight time frame.

Question 3

Do I need a design or can you help me with the design process?

Accepted Answer

One of the best things about mascot making is meeting new clients. Most new clients start the conversation with "I have a strange request". Dont worry, we've heard it all before. You may think a walking yoghurt pottle is unusual, but to us its our world...... 90% of our clients have never even thought about having a life sized character made before, let alone find a company in New Zealand who can design and build it for you. 
Don't worry, we have made one or two strange things in our time so we can help with all stages of the design. Using our many years of experience, we work with you to develop a character we know will work.  
We offer a design service using a freelance designer who has been drawing up our ideas for many many years. He knows what's achievable, so what you see on paper, is what we will be making in real life and delivering to your door. We can offer a simple line based drawing, or a full render of what we think works for you. 
Cost of the design process is $345 + GST

Question 4

Can we have printing or our logo somewhere on the character?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Printing has come along way since we started making costumes in the 1980's. 
Branding is key when it comes to mascots so most of the mascots we make have some sort of sublimation printing, heat set digital prints, screen printing or embroidery on them somewhere.  Artwork is required for all forms of branding. When it comes to sublimation printing, we create our patterns and then work out where the logos and text will be positioned. Proofs can be sent out to you if you want to see what we are up to.......but quite often a flat piece of printing can be a little confusing on a round sphere! But we will explain.

Question 5

Do you want your mascot to have a variety of clothing?

Accepted Answer

Who says your dog can't wear a T-shirt or a hoodie? Or maybe Fido is in T-shirt and shorts one day, and a dress the next. We are very open minded here at The Costume Studio......we accept all weird and wonderful requests.  Perhaps a Santa costume for Christmas or an Easter theme?
Check out the pictures of The Costume Studio Wolf in his Santa outfit.

Question 6

Will my mascot be able to move around?

Accepted Answer

Certainly will. Its important to let us know what you expect from your mascot. Does it need to jump off the skytower, bungy in Taupo or jetboat in Queenstown, we've made mascots to do all of these things. Just let us know and we can make it happen. 
We have made Kiwis that can ski and Keas that snowboard!!

We make our mascots as comfortable and manageable as possible.

Question 7

How do we keep cool in the mascot?

Accepted Answer

At The Costume Studio, one of the most important things to us is making a mascot thats easy to wear. Keeping cool and being able to breathe in the mascots is very something we take very seriously and spend extra time getting right. 
Ventilation is key......we add vent holes and use breathable fabrics where possible. Additional cooling systems such as head fans and cool-vests can be provided and are highly recommended especially if your mascot is to be used in summer or for periods exceeding 20 minutes.

Question 8

Who can wear our mascot?

Accepted Answer

We can build a mascot to fit a child, small adult or body building giant.....just tell us an average size and we will work it out for you.Having said that......we try and make all mascots adjustable so they can be worn by multiple sized people. Hidden zips and velcro openings can hide a 5cms extension quite easily. T-shirts always have hidden zips to allow the arms to be adjusted to fit long or short arms with the teeth of a zip!

Question 9

Do you hire out any of your costumes?

Accepted Answer

We have a very ,limited stock of mascots that we hire out for events. Give us a call to see if we have anything suitable.

Question 10

Can I take my costume to the cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Oh, no, please don't. The materials we use are not suitable for harsh chemicals and steam......please contact us.
 
We now offer a FREE SPA TREATMENT on all our mascots if they are returned to us within 12 months of being created.  This includes a shower, a rub down, nails cleaned, feet scrubbed and ears inspected. Teeth are whitened, eyes are brightened and hair is shampooed and set. We also give lots and lots of pats and attention to all our visitors. A week at the Spa can do wonders for your fluffy super hero.After the initial visit, you can send your mascot to us at anytime for a full pamper session at a cost of $175 + GST. This service is very popular so please remember to book in as soon as your furry friend is in need of some extra special attention by his makers. Book Your Spa Treatment Now. With each mascot we make, we provide a comprehensive user manual which has all of the details on dressing, cleaning and maintaining your costume.

Question 11

How do I store my mascot?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prolong a mascots life is to supply plenty of fresh air. Think of your brand ambassador as an employee......they respond better when they have a bit of fresh air, love and attention every now and then. They can be stored in the large padded bags we supply, or hung up on a rail if you have the space. Just don't leave the cooling vests in the same bag when they are damp.

Question 12

How will I transport my mascot?

Accepted Answer

We offer custom made padded bags which we designed after many requests from clients to supply something durable and professional. They were designed to transport your costumes around the country via courier or in the back of your vehicle. They have zip closures and are fully waterproof so we know they will be safe. The bags have handles and a clear window on the outer edge so it can be labelled for transporting.

The Costume Studio Ltd

Frequently asked questions