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• Cadillac Perspective Panels

  17Aug
  Categories: Brand Icons, Scenic, Tradeshow Comments: 0

  These panel display systems were fabricated to promote the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. The installations could be found at airports in Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa and Dallas. The systems consisted of a low profile stage floor with ramps and banner boards that were held upright by the flooring.

  The front of the boards had a front view of the CTS-V Coupe that was broken up among the panels and printed at various sizes.

  When the panels are viewed at the correct spot, the images on the panels line up to form the complete image.

  The banner boards had information highlighting various aspects of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe on the back.

  Each panel was approximately 30 x 72 x 3 inches. The public could freely walk around the panels to read the information.

  Tags: banners, cadillac, coupe, cts-v, display, exhibit, fallon, installation, stage

• Will The Real Kenny Rogers Please Speak Up

  02Aug
  Categories: Brand Icons, Portfolio, Tradeshow Comments: 0

  

  Dolly Parton wanted to do a duet with Kenny Rogers on her 2004 “Hello I’m Dolly” Tour.  But the real Kenny couldn’t make it. So we did the next best thing and gave a face lift to a ventriloquist puppet in the image of the legend himself. Actually we made two, never hurts to have a backup Kenny encase one gets lost while on tour.

  

  The real Kenny did record a voice over and vocals track to play along with Dollys stage skit. Once they finished their “Islands in the Stream” duet, Kenny was promptly stuffed back into his trunk and rolled off stage.

  

  A few of us backstage with Dolly Parton at the Xcel Center.

  Tags: concert prop, dolly parton, duet, dummy, hello i'm dolly tour, islands in the stream, kenny rogers, ventriloquism, ventriloquist, xcel center

• The Octopus Evolution AS Is Here!

  30Mar
  Categories: Tradeshow Comments: 0

  Medtronic wanted the latest version of their Octopus Evolution AS Tissue Stabilizer for display at trade shows. But they wanted it to be three times larger than life and animated. That’s when we stepped in and delivered what you see here.

  The real device leans against the new big brother.

  We used CNC milling technology to help obtain the base shapes of the individual components. With a bit of planning, much sanding and a touch of finesse, the parts came to life.

  Before a coating of primer.

  The animation involved the whale tail spinning clockwise and then counter clockwise to simulate tightening and loosening the device. The head link would spread open and closed with the indicator showing red. This ran on timers and will run on a cycle all day on the trade show floor.

  The head link in the spread position.

  The clamp from the back.

  This was achieved through the use of a motor, a few timers, gears, a cam and some crafty engineering to fit it all within the body of the model. A customized case was fitted with foam compartments for safe travels.

  

  A look under the hood.

  Tags: animated model, evolution as, medtronic, octopus evolution, oversized model, tissue stabilizer, tradeshow model

• Try The Idea Helmet On For Size

  22Mar
  Categories: Portfolio, Table Top Props, Tradeshow Comments: 0

  On this campaign for Print It, A Navitor company, we fabricated the Idea Helmet. Initial design of  the helmet and campaign was developed by Hunt Adkins. The final image photography by Curtis Johnson.

  

  Below is the where it all started. After receiving the initial layout from Hunt Adkins. mnfx did the following basic rendering before starting any construction.

  

  After the drawing was approved. We started fabricating the basic shape and components of the helmet. Here the major parts are primed before getting painted. Then some of the finer detail components are added and test fit along with guitar cables, electrical wiring and circuit boards.

  

  

  Once all the parts were produced and test fit. We pulled out the spray gun equipment and paint. The shell of the helmet has a black lacquer finish. While the gold parts had a 5-step paint system applied.

  
  

  

  All the components painted, fastened together and ready for a trip to the photo studio. Rub down graphics were applied for additional detail. A construction helmet was embedded for fitting the Idea Helmet onto the model. The Idea Helmet was then put on display at various tradeshows.

  

  

  Tags: curtis johnson, design aids, graphic artists aid, hunt adkins, idea helmet, mnfx, Navitor company, print it, print it center

• The Reveal XT Hits The Big Time

  22Jan
  Categories: Tradeshow Comments: 0

  Medtronic wanted to showcase the Reveal XT¹ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) for tradeshow use. But it’s hard to capture a passers-by attention when a product the size of a thumb drive can easily be overlooked. But if it’s almost fifteen times larger than life, that has a little different visual impact.

  The actual Reveal XT cowering beneath the enlarged version.

  Working off a supplied demo device and CAD drawings, we fabricated the 36 inch long version of the Reveal XT². The body is made of Sintra PVC sheet and prototyping board. The clear cap is made of two vacuum formed PETG shells. The electrodes, brackets and stand are machined from aluminum. A road case was fitted with custom shaped foam inserts so the Reveal XT³ can travel the world safely and in style.

  

  Tags: cardiac monitor, icm, medtronic, oversized model, reveal, reveal dx, reveal xt, Tradeshow

• Lady Justice And Playing Child

  13Jul
  Categories: Presentation, Tradeshow Comments: 0

  

  This bas relief sculpture of Lady Justice and Child was created to help raise awareness of  The Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Foundation for Children.  It stands about ten feet tall and made of EPS foam with a faux bronze coating to keep weight to a minimum.

  It has been on display at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport since May of 2008 in the G Concourse. For more information on the Foundation and this installation, click here.

  Tags: airport, ciresi, foundation for children, international, kaplan, lady justice, miller, minneapolis, rkmc, robins, st. paul