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Learn More About Loonie Times.
As one of North America’s oldest and most experienced custom mascot makers, Loonie Times is one of the most in-demand mascot companies around.
About Loonie Times Custom Mascot Maker
About Loonie Times
Ugh! I know, I know, another boring “about us” page from a company trying to convince you to give them your money over the other guys, using the same boring phrases that everybody uses. Did I say boring already? Cause…BORING!
Listen, I’m more of an “our work speaks for itself” kind of Dragon-Wolf (yes, I am both a Dragon and a Wolf, I’m also a Knight in case you were wondering), and I’ve been producing the world’s most lovable mascots for over 20 years. So let me tell you a little about me, our process, and why you want us to bring your character to life.
So here’s a little about Loonie Times. In 1996 I started Loonie Times Custom Mascots and Plush in Toronto, Canada. Since then, I’ve worked with major companies like Kellogg’s, M&Ms, Home Depot, Mars Food, etc., and about a billion schools (so…many…cat…mascots). I’ve even created some mascots for your children’s favorite television shows (Clifford, My Little Pony, and more) and worked with businesses, just looking for a little cost-effective fun with their advertising. But enough about them and more about me!
I’m not JUST a Dragon-Wolf-Knight and all-around awesome guy, I’m also an artist. I love to create, and I love purple if you haven’t noticed. I just had all of these characters in my head that I wanted to bring to life!
The only problem was, I’m not that talented at drawing, or carving, or stitching… I knew I needed a team! A team so talented, they could draw whatever crazy characters that I could think of, then take that drawing and build a full-body costume from it using the best foams and fabrics so that their quality would last! I needed a team that could bring any custom character to life, and I assembled that team.
Are you thinking of bringing a character to life so that you can show it off to the world? Put a little extra pep in the school pep rally. Do you want your company and brand to stand out at the next convention? You’ve come to the right place my friend.
Follow me, let me introduce you to my team and show you how our process works. We will have a grand time, no… a Loonie Times.
Sales Department
I’d just like to say, that I love two things in this world, amazing customer service, and bamboo… and I’m all out of bamboo.
When you’re looking for a quote, or you have some questions you want answered, email me or give me a call. Together, we work out the details of your vision for the character.
I take into account things like your budget, timeline, logos, team jerseys, performer’s height, facial expressions, etc. No detail is too small to bring your vision to life.
Then I prepare an art request form for our wonderful artist. She works her magic and afterward, I present you with the finished illustration and quote. Once you love it, you purchase it and it goes into production!
Design Department
Oh, hello there! I’m always thinking about what I want to draw next, and how best to make these characters pop!
My illustrations will capture your character’s personality, while also clearly getting your brand across. I think about details like your target audience and the message you want to showcase to the community, but at the end of the day, I’m just that kid who always doodled during class instead of paying attention to the boring teacher. I love to draw! Let me draw your character! I need my fix! And, what I love about Loonie Times is that they let me do it!
Carving Department
Not to toot my own horn but, I’ve got mad skills when it comes to bringing your mascot to life! After your artwork is completed by our talented in-house designer and approved by you it’s time for me to start working my magic. I hand carve every mascot using a lightweight, flexible foam that is so durable it will maintain your custom mascot’s structure for years to come.
I know I said I was great (and I don’t deny that) but, I want you to be 100% satisfied that what I am creating for you is perfect, which is why I keep you in the loop every step of the way! I will send you progress photos of the work I am doing just to make sure I’ve captured the exact expression, shape, and size that you have envisioned for your very own unique Loonie Times custom mascot.
Here at Loonie Times, we know how important it is that the performer wearing your mascot is comfortable and able to put on a great show as well as represent your brand successfully. This is why I strive to go the extra mile and ensure the carved structure is spacious enough and well-equipped with the best ventilation system out there. I try on every mascot I make, at least 100 times…err…well, OK, maybe not 100 times but, I try it on enough to know when I am totally happy that the vision, weight, and airflow are exactly what you need! Hey, we want your performers to stay cool and enjoy themselves while making your brand shine, right?! Absolutely!
Oh! I am fast and concise too so, rest assured, I will meet your deadlines and have your mascot ready for the covering process and on its way to you in no time flat! From 2D drawing to 3D form, I am here to help bring your vision to life! Let’s do this!
Covering Department
I prefer “All-around fabric extraordinaire!” I am the one you want on the job when it comes to covering your mascot! Once you have approved the fabric swatches I sent to you, I can start stitching up a storm! And do I ever!!!
I take your mascot’s head, shoes, and anything solid foam that has been carved by our amazing carving department and hand stitch the materials of your choice to them! Think of me as Loonie Time’s magnificent, mega-mascot beautician! Fur, hair, claws, shells, beaks, and wings, I do it all and I’m fabulous at it darling! Velour, Faux Fur, and fleece, Oh my!
There are so many wonderful colors and textures to work with, it just makes me giddy to think about it! Your custom mascot starts showing its vibrant personality when it comes to visiting me at the Loonie Times covering department. And, how I love sending you pictures of my work in progress along the way! I always look forward to your feedback.
It’s so important to me that I get everything just right, after all, your mascot needs to be stunning when it makes its first debut to the public! Can’t wait to chat with all of you, wonderful folks and tell you more about Loonie Times!
Sewing Department
Hi everybody! I make the costume and clothing for your character. You wouldn’t want it to be naked, would you?
Anything from the neck to the ankles, I make. I also create the “inner body” which gives your mascot’s body its shape. Whatever costume, whatever clothing, a sew it all together. And that’s it! Your character is brought to life! You’ve seen him on paper, you’ve seen its head carved and covered. You’ve seen its body created and clothed. Your mascot is ready to wear!
Management Department
Do you want to see the best juggling act in town!? Look no further! I mean, it helps that I have eight legs but, I mean it’s still the most impressive thing you’ll find around!
You love your mascot, right? Of course! So, treat them to a couple of days at the Loonie Times Spa! When they get here I greet them and inspect them thoroughly just to see what work I have cut out for me. After a warm shampoo scrub, disinfecting maybe a stitch here and there, or, some new parts they are looking proud again and eager to get back out there and represent your brand!
So, now your mascot is looking pretty and ready for the next big event … but, you don’t have a performer you say? With our event management service, we can staff your events with a professionally trained performer to wear the mascot as well as a spotter who helps guide and protect both the mascot and the public during the event.
Can’t think of where to showcase your custom mascot? Guess who has a solution for that too!? I am always busy updating the event calendar for our clients. I find TONS of different events across Canada that they may want to consider having their custom mascot appear in!
BUT WAIT, there’s more! Now your awesome custom mascot has finished its amazing event. What are you going to do? Throw it in the basement and say, “Thanks for coming out?” That’s a one-way ticket to losing and/or damaging your most precious, promotional asset! Let Loonie Times store your mascot when it is between events or hibernating for the season! I’m a great mascot sitter and our facility is so dry, warm, and spacious your mascot will be on cloud nine! And when you’re ready to get your mascot I can even help with the shipping!
Well, that concludes our tour. I hope you will get in touch with my team and me so we can help your custom mascot help you by bringing it to life and making it shine! You’d be in no better hands… or paws…or hoofs… or tentacles…you get the idea.
If there’s anything else about Loonie Times you’d like to know, please feel free to reach out to us, we’d love to hear form you!
Our Team
Asif Saherwala
My passion is to bring ideas to life using the most grassroots level of marketing: by manufacturing quality mascots & plush. In today’s cluttered world of technology and information overload, we strive to help brands make an emotional connection with their target audience.
My top priority is to help our clients brand go that extra mile and reach new levels of success in their industry. Our goal at Loonie Times is to create mascots that will bring a smile to people’s faces and help businesses, organizations, and schools showcase their unique personalities to the world.
My team of talented individuals works collectively from the idea generation stage to shaping and giving life to some of the most exceptional and highly recognized mascots on the market today.
I am proud to lead a team of people with such dedication and whose relentless pursuit of quality has ensured that our clients have come to respect our work and craftsmanship year after year. Thank you, team, it’s an immense pleasure to work alongside you and watch you accomplish Loonie Times’ mission of creating the best custom mascots for our clients.
And finally, a word about me. I am a workaholic, love to travel, experience nature and culture…and did I say I am a foodie? There is nothing better than relaxing with an inspirational book and being motivated to work hard, learn, and do better every day. In my life, I have worked for various companies around the world and across many different industries. I like to take these past experiences and use them in building a strong foundation for Loonie Times as a niche, high-quality provider of custom mascots and plush. Welcome to our Loonie World…
Dan Welch
With over 20 years of experience in the mascot industry, Dan is the expert in all aspects of “Bringing Characters to Life”; from Sales, Production, Customer Service, and Management.
He takes pride in making sure that every project has the right amount of focus in all the right places from start to finish. His ability to listen and work with clients to translate their vision and ideas is the main reason that our accounts love dealing with Dan. He is probably the only salesperson who can proudly say and still build a custom mascot all by himself! This gives clients the confidence that they have entrusted their custom mascot to the right person.
Production Team
Our production team brings every costume to life with the expertise that is hard to find in this industry.
From our carvers to our coverers, our pattern & tailors, and embroidery specialists, they have been carving out a career in the entertainment industry for many years.
Our staff are seasoned and have been with our company for many years. The youngest member of our team has been in the company for 3 years and the longest still employed is 15 years…that shows the strength of experience and pride the staff take in building your custom mascot.
