find that unique image, animated logo, or character
that will best represent your company to the world. We emphasize
quality and detail through the choice of style, texture and materials
to best meet your needs. Each solution has a special appeal.
You
can expect the new addition to your family in four to six weeks from
design approval and deposit.
Choose
from the menu on your left and read through our
DESIGN
SERVICE: Steps for a Successful Character Costume.
If you
already have a corporate image, logo, or character sketch, then ICDA will
work with you to develop your concept into a 3-D walking attraction.
If you have only a fuzzy notion, then we will help you develop that
notion into a walking reality.
If
you haven't a clue we will work with you to find a solution
that suits your particular needs and then develop it into a walking billboard.
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Questions to clarify your needs:
1. Do
you already have a drawn image of this character?
2.
Is
the look of this character established in print?
3.
What
is the proportion to the human figure?
4.
Does
it require a moving mouth, eyes, ears, etc.?
5.
Will
the character be required to be very active and athletic?
6.
Is
the costume meant to attract and relate to children?
7. How
many people will be wearing the costume?
8.
How
experienced are the people wearing the costume?
9. Will
the costume be worn in climate-controlled conditions or outdoors?
10. How
will the costume be shipped, and how often?
11.
How
will the costume be stored?
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After
the creative dust has settled and your questions and answers
have been taken into consideration, ICDA will provide a cost
proposal and a costume design based on human proportion. Fabric samples
are available for your approval.
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We
have a passion for what we do. Combined with our zest for detail
and quality, we work as a team committed to fabricating the best creature
possible. Four to six weeks are devoted to each character we build.
Every assignment is a challenge, and every client's needs are different.
Procedure
- After
design approval from the client, communication continues via photographs
of the sculptured figure.
- Modifications
are made and attention is given to the proportion of the character.
- The
figure is patterned and construction begins.
Materials
Although each costume character is an individual design, in general the
following materials are used:
- Polyester
foams, which are porous, flexible and light weight.
- Fabrics
featuring flexibility and textural variety to suit the character.
- Nylon
hoops and firm polyethylene foam for structural support provide a
sturdy and long lasting costume.
- Padded
harnesses support the costume and add comfort.
Methods
- Character
heads are often mounted separately on a construction hard hat to
maximize head movement.
- All
foam shapes are fully lined with mesh fabric to facilitate ventilation.
- The
actor is provided with disguised visibility areas which are incorporated
into the design.
- Cable
controlled mouth and eyes are optional.
- A
fan can be mounted inside the costume.
- An
optional cooling vest can be shipped with your costume.
- Oversized
hands can have an opposable thumbs.
- Shoes
can be oversized, yet fit snugly over any sized foot.
Meeting
Needs And Possibilities
- The
mouth might be over two feet wide, and still close with the nod of
a head.
- Eyes
can spring from the top of the head.
- Wings
might sprout from the ears.
- Tails
can wag on command.
Once
we put the finishing touches on your character, we will package and
ship it directly to your office, warehouse, client trade show.
Each
costume is provided with a sturdy nylon bag that is large enough
to hold the entire costume. The bag allows the costume to be easily
carried from location to location and protects it while in storage.
If you intend to ship your costume frequently, we recommend a custom
crate suitable for both storage and repeated shipping. Custom crates
are made of strong, reinforced materials and are built for endurance.
The cost of a crate is based on the size of the character.
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We share
the desire to see that your new character is well cared for. We include
step-by-step instructions for wearing the costume. These Costume Instructions
contain some simple maintenance hints that owners can perform to help
lengthen the life of their creature.
Many
customers are interested in the professional Maintenance Program
provided by ICDA. The frequency of cleaning depends on the usage
of the costume. This program includes a periodic laundry and maintenance
service on an "as needed" basis. The customer should schedule
a maintenance appointment. Services are completed within seven to ten
working days from receipt of the costume.
A
combination of owner care and regular preventive maintenance
will help to keep your costume fresh and looking new.
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