commonwealth games - borobi

The creation of Borobi began over two years before the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Our design and animation team were tasked with developing the concept of a surfing koala for use in 3D animation, 2D artwork and as a fully-functional costume with the ability to jump, dance and even surf. He had to be marketable and merchandisable, whilst embodying the spirit of the Games. 

CHARACTER EXPLORATION

Every character needs an exploration stage.

Once Borobi’s preliminary personality and archetype had been established, our team considered the defining features of a koala and explored shape, size and posture.

A koala’s key features are the size and shape of the nose and ears and their relative position to each other.

We realised very early in the process that the position of the eyes are equally important. However, at this exploration stage, anything goes so we sketch a multitude of options in broad strokes.

Final shortlisted design sketch and character turnaround

Borobi's final design

SIGNATURE POSES

Borobi’s three signature poses were created as both 2D and 3D versions.

His ‘Thumbs Up’ pose sums up his energetic and welcoming nature. For this pose, he stands proud, gently leaning back and holding his hands out with two thumbs up. The two thumbs up pose is an instantly recognisable symbol of good across many cultures and ages.

An alternative to Borobi’s main signature pose is his ‘Celebration’ pose. This pose allows the Indigenous markings on his hands and feet to be visible to the audience. This pose was reserved for GOLDOC and the GC2018 Sponsor Family.

The ‘Community’ pose is used when Borobi is welcoming visitors to his Gold Coast home. In this pose, Borobi extends both arms out with his palms open, almost like he’s ready to give you a big hug.

Final vector signature poses and 3D poses

DELIVERABLES

Over 140 Borobi still and animated assets were delivered for a multitude of uses such as outdoor activations, in-venue screen presentations, social media communication, official GC2018 app promotion, and spectator messaging. 

MASCOT COSTUME

The Borobi mascot was to make appearances at all events so multiple costumes were manufactured.

It was designed with the ability to dance and mime as many of the events as possible. Some sports were not practical like swimming and diving, but since he is a surfing koala, a special waterproof suit with drainage holes in the feet was designed so the performer could enter the water safely and surf without sinking.

The soles of the feet in the regular costume were molded to leave Indigenous artwork footprints in the sand when he ventured onto the beach. 

MERCHANDISE

Borobi was a fan favourite and most of his official merchandise sold out before the end of the Games.

Merchandise not only included the standard fare - clothing, books and plush toys - but also extended to unconventional products such as stamps and coins. 

OUTDOOR

Borobi’s presence was also heavily felt across event venues and the Borobi Fan Trail Walk – featuring life-size sculptures, fence banners running the length of the foreshore, and even his Indigenous footprints for visitors to follow on the path. 

The team

Design and animation by SQUEAK
Creative Director/Supervisor: Zenon Kohler
Art Director: Ian Anderson
Team: Andrew Kimberley, Matt Dye, Phil Jackson, Ahmed Nashabe, Victor Bandeira, Rob Conn, Ross Macpherson
Design Producer: Jessica Vines
Design Coordinator: Sarah Burton