I never learned to make things by hand. But I’m fascinated by those who do. When I discovered that some of the world’s most recognizable sports and product mascot costumes—Tony the Tiger, Yogi Bear, Bucky Badger, the Famous Racing Sausages—are designed and handcrafted in Milwaukee by a company called Olympus Group, I had to check it out. With over 15,000 mascot costumes made since it was founded in 1896, Olympus Group is the largest manufacturer of costumes in the United States. Their designers work with clients to create memorable mascots (remember: there’s a person in there) that generate brand recognition and audience excitement. It takes a team of designers, artists, and technicians about six weeks to make a mascot costume, each of which is unique. In an era when production surely would be cheaper overseas, there’s much to admire about a company committed to making it in America—and about the artisans who do the making.
