Eugene Paunil, the Architect behind Concept Factory Mascots

In the world of mascot manufacturing, there’s a fine line between a costume and a character. Crossing that line requires more than just fabric and foam; it requires the hands of a sculptor, the mind of an engineer, and the soul of an artist.

At the helm of our creative team is Eugene Paunil, our CEO and Lead Fabricator. With over 20 years of experience in scenic art and mascot construction, Eugene isn't just building mascot he’s engineering icons.

A God Amongst Us Nuit Blanche Art Installation by Eugene Paunil

Eugene stands alongside a massive, hand-sculpted foam bird.

A Pedigree of Excellence

Eugene’s journey began at OCAD University, where he graduated in 2004 with a degree in Industrial Design. This foundation in functional art is what sets his work apart. He doesn't just ask "how does it look?" but "how does it move, how does it last, and how does it breathe?"

His resume reads like a “who’s who” of the entertainment industry, showcasing expertise in mascots, puppets, and props:

• Theme Park Titans: Disney, Universal Studios and National Geographic

• Toy & Media Giants: Hasbro, Spin Master, and Nickelodeon.

• Major League Sports: Bringing energy to the NHL, NBA, UEFA and Pan Am Games.

Eugene and "Sabretooth" the official mascot for the Buffalo Sabres

The Art of Instruction: A Legacy of Mentorship

Eugene’s expertise is deeply rooted in the craft that he spent years shaping the next generation of creators. As a former Professor of Props Making at Sheridan College (Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design), he taught the intricacies of theatre prop production to rising stars in the industry.

While he now focuses his full energy on leading our fabrication team and driving innovation as an entrepreneur, that "teacher’s eye" remains. He approaches every mascot build with the attention of an instructor and the vision of a distinguished artist and expertise of a designer.

"A great mascot is a living sculpture. It has to command attention from the furthest seat in the stadium while holding up to the scrutiny of a front-row hug."

Why Experience Matters

With a long-standing creative career and a background spanning furniture design to industrial fabrication, Eugene ensures that every project meets "Excellence."

Whether it’s a character designed to endure a gruelling pro-sports season or a scenic prop for the world stage, you’re in the hands of the expert who wrote the book, and the lesson plan, on how it’s done.