How To Properly Store A Mascot Costume

So you have a mascot but don't know how to store it? This is one of the most important things to think about if you want your mascot costume to last a long time! When not in use, a mascot costume should be stored in some sort of container. If you don't store it in something, the costume will be exposed to dirt, dust, water, etc.

It would be a smart idea to invest in a quality storage container to protect the mascot costume from the elements. There are many different options... The most inexpensive being a canvas bag- but remember, this is not the most protective option! You should seriously consider a more reliable storage container such as a plastic case or hard case. Some of these cases even come with wheels for easy transportation.

Click here to go to a site that offers a wide range of options for mascot storage. You'll be sure to find an option that will fit in your budget. We've had great luck dealing with this company and the cases are great!

Good Mascot Video!

This YouTube video has some great examples of how you should act in a mascot costume. Check it out to see some good examples of how to communicate with people while doing meet and greets.

Signing Autographs

While not necessary, having your mascot sign autographs is an added treat for children. In the eyes of a child, a mascot character is a big deal- basically a celebrity! They love to be able to take home any memory of their visit with the character, and what’s more personal than an autograph?! However, if you decide to have your mascot character sign autographs at events, it’s important that all actors who will wear the costume have identical signatures for the character.

First of all, the signature should not be a basic, plain old signature. Your mascot character is a larger than life cartoon- that is what the signature should portray as well. Make the signature fit your character in some way….if it’s a dog, perhaps it should incorporate a drawing of a paw, etc.

Once you come up with a creative signature, have all of the people who will be wearing the costume memorize the signature (and practice signing it with the costume on). Be sure they all look the same. That way, no matter who is wearing the costume, the autograph will always look the same. After all, there is only ONE character, right?! Imagine if a child got your mascot’s autograph at two different events and they looked nothing alike. That would ruin the illusion of the character.

Check out a couple examples of how to make creative autographs for your mascot:

HAVE fun, don't MAKE fun!

How many of you have had an unpleasant experience with a costumed character or mascot? Did they single you out? Poke fun at you? Embarrass you in front of your friends? This is something you must pay close attention to when wearing a mascot costume.

If your costumed character makes fun of a patron or makes them uncomfortable, it reflects poorly on your business or organization. It is important that the person wearing the costume HAS fun with the patrons rather than MAKING fun of them.

It is also important to be cautious with children while in a mascot costume. If a child is fearful of the character, never force them to meet with or take a photo with the character. Let it be their choice!