Bespoke Without Going Broke

Custom props are the perfect way to make your event truly unique and really shine. We are lucky at Luminary Group to have a very talented prop designer and maker, Clayton, who brings these original pieces to life for our clients.

We sat down with Clay to ask him a bit more about his process, why he loves what he does, and what the tips are to create custom props cost effectively.

When designing a new prop where do you get inspiration?

My head kind of works 24/7 so if I’m out and about and I see something, I’ll think ‘how can I use that to make a prop?’ I can’t go anywhere without thinking about the next prop or job! YouTube is also a very helpful resource if I need inspiration.

What do you like the most about building props and sets?

I like building something that’s unusual or I haven’t built before and the problem solving that comes with that. I would visualize and design and build it in my head beforehand so actually pulling it off is a huge buzz for me!

Also getting great reaction from something I’ve made makes me happy too. Then I know I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do! Very satisfying.

What are some of your tips and tricks for creating bespoke props without breaking the bank?

Shop around and for materials. I find stuff around the house to use all the time. Look at everyday items while out shopping and think to yourself ‘how can I use this or modify this into a prop.’ I also like to take old props and try and re-invent them or turn them into something else. Saves time and money. Also, try to have an idea of what you want before you go shopping along with accurate measurements if you’re buying timber materials. That old saying measure twice, cut once still holds today!

An example that sticks out to me is when Botany Town Centre recently came to us with the idea to showcase the best of New Zealand, we were so excited. What a perfect theme for 2020! They wanted 10 “mini” activations that would represent iconic tourist destinations around Aotearoa, which brand partners would then help promote and run giveaways.

I came up with the concepts and designs for these spaces, including Rotorua (complete with a luge!), Franz Josef Glacier, Waitomo Caves, Queenstown, Wai-O-Tapu, Hobbiton and more – it was such a great prop building challenge – Some tourist sites from the destinations have even approached us to buy them! This campaign was a true example of maximum output with limited budget, with incredible results.

Why are props important?

For me, I like to create a fantasy world for people to lose themselves from reality even if it’s for a short amount of time. It’s creating that WOW factor for people. You want to hear them say “How did they do that?”

What is your favourite material to work with?

Different materials work with different applications, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. I like working with polystyrene, foam and timber usually, but I like experimenting with different materials and I like to try new things to really get clients a real bang for their buck! One thing I’m looking at doing is making my daughter a costume for Halloween. She wants to dress up as Ashoka Tano from Star Wars so I’ll be experimenting with EVA Foam, sculpting clay and Worbla (a plastic material that can be moulded once heated).

What is the best trade secret or advice you have learned over the years?

It would be ‘patience’.  Take your time and think things through. It can save both time and money in the long run.

How did you get into this industry?

I started off as an apprentice engineer out of school, followed by a stint at art school where I became a classical animator and illustrator. From there I went to film school and built sets and props there, later studying graphic design and working for a magazine. Quite a spread of experience!

It was in between jobs in TV and film that I was offered an event coordinator role. I love it because it’s an opportunity for me to bring together literally all of the skills I’ve learned over the years.

Any tips on how to get in the industry?

I knew art was my passion and calling, so I let that guide me as opportunities opened up. I guess my advice would be to stay open, expand your skillset as much as you can and don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want to do yet. You’ll figure it out – that’s half the fun!

Chat to us today about how we can make the magic happen for you!