rugby australia - wally mascot
When Rugby Australia decided their beloved mascot, Wally, needed a refresh, our character design team tackled the brief using the same approach they would with any new character. However, they were mindful to respect Wally’s existing legacy.
CHARACTER DESIGN
Wally 2.0 has a number of unique features and personality traits that bring him to life. He has a roguish faux-hawk hair line that hints at his larrikin and playful manner. His cheeky smirk with a spark of determination reflects his personality.
However, there were a few physical characteristics to take into consideration in the redesign to ensure there was no mistaking he was a wallaby. For example, the size and position of his ears are a clear indicator - too long he’d look like a rabbit, too wide like a mouse.
SIGNATURE POSES
Three signature poses were created for social media use. Running and passing action poses were mandatory but the ‘W’ hand salute (also known as The Wally) is a new additional to the mascot’s arsenal. When Wally is leading the “Go Wallabies” chant at a live Rugby match, he places his two paws together to form the letter ‘W’, encouraging the fans to support their team by doing the same.
MASCOT COSTUME
To ensure the performer would have the ability to run, jump and interact with children on the field, Wally’s tail was shortened in the design phase.
Justification for its stumpiness was written into his new backstory.
The Process
Character design
Backstory and design guide creation
Vector illustrations for signature poses
3D modelling for merchandise and mascot costume manufacturing
Rigging, lookdev, animation, lighting, rendering and compositing of the 3D character test
The team
Client: Rugby Australia
Agency: Tribus345
Design by SQUEAK
Character Design: Ian Anderson and Zenon Kohler
Design Producer: Jessica Vines
3D Team: Andrew Kimberley and Ross Macpherson
