Borobi – GC2018 Commonwealth Games Mascot

The creation of Borobi began two and a half years before the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The design and animation team at Cutting Edge, in collaboration with creative agency SapientRazorfish, were tasked with developing the mascot for use in 3D animation, 2D artwork and as a fully-functional costume with the ability to jump, dance and even surf. The final character had to be marketable and merchandisable, whilst embodying the spirit of the Games.

Indigenous markings on Borobi’s paws were included in the design to raise awareness of the local Indigenous Yugambeh Language Group of the Gold Coast in South East Queensland. The name Borobi means koala in the Yugambeh language.

Over 134 Borobi assets were delivered comprising animation and stills. These included, but were not limited to, in-venue screen presentations, social media communication, official GC2018 app promotion and spectator messaging.

Borobi was a fan favourite. His iconic signature poses were developed into a range of merchandise including, stamps, coins, plush toys, and wearables. All 90,000 of the bright blue plush toys were sold out before the end of the Games.

Collaboration between Cutting Edge and SapientRazorfish
Lead Creatives: Zenon Kohler & Ian Anderson (Cutting Edge) and Ralph Barnett (SapientRazorfish)
Executive Producer: Trelise Blade
VFX Producer: Jessica Vines
VFX Coordinator: Sarah Burton
Lead 3D: Matt Dye
Animators: Matt Dye, Andrew Kimberley & Brendan Jacquin
Lead Motion Graphics Designer and Compositor: Victor Bandeira
Additional Compositing: Amy Wheelhouse & Ross Macpherson
3D Artists: Matt Crump, Ahmed Nashabe & Rob Conn
Sound Designers: Mike Lange, Heath Plumb & Michael Thomas

AWARDS
2016 BADC Award: “Brand Identity Suite” – SILVER
2016 BADC Award: “Illustration” – BRONZE
2018 BADC Award: “Animation Motion Graphics” – GOLD
2018 BADC Award: “Animation – 2D/3D” – SILVER
2018 BADC Award: “Art Direction” – BRONZE
2018 AEAF Award: “Ident Broadcast” – GOLD