When experiential marketing agencies and brand managers seek a partner for large-scale installations, they need a studio that can transform ambitious concepts into memorable realities. At Smash Design, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of foam sculpture for brand activations that stop people in their tracks. From Netflix premieres to Google product launches, here are five projects competing for the title of our best brand activation ever.
Hoppers’ Diane The Shark: Built for Speed
For the world premiere of Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” in Los Angeles, we created Diane: a foam shark sculpture designed to cruise Hollywood Boulevard in the back of a red convertible. This project, commissioned by Lime Media, required engineering a movie-accurate character prop that could withstand both photo ops and scenic drives.
What makes this our best brand activation contender? Our CNC foam sculpting process transformed Diane from animated character to real-world promotional partner. The most challenging aspect was individually crafting and placing each tooth to match her animated grin. We applied specialized hardcoat to create a durable shell, then used automotive-grade paint matched to Disney/Pixar’s character model. The result was a lightweight yet sturdy shark that made her debut at the LA premiere before touring the city, surprising drivers at stoplights and bringing animated joy to real-world locations. This experiential marketing installation proved that with the right materials and craftsmanship, animated characters can transition from screen to street!
Away’s Giant Suitcase: Scaling Up Luxury Travel
For Away’s “Get Away With More” holiday campaign, we built an 8-foot replica of their iconic carry-on complete with wheels! This supersized sculpture required precision CNC foam sculpting. Then we added industrial hardcoating for NYC weather resistance and automotive-grade paint matched to Away’s exact brand colors. We created a pristine, Instagram-worthy prop that became a viral sensation in SoHo. The colossal carry-on combines playful scale with meticulous craftsmanship, turning an everyday product into an eye-popping street art installation.
Netflix’s Big Mouth: Bringing Animation to Life
For Netflix’s “Big Mouth Swallows America” farewell tour, we sculpted vehicle-mounted characters that could handle highway speeds and cross-country travel. Working again with Lime Media Group, we started by carving the show’s iconic characters from high-density EPS foam. Next, we applied a secret hardcoating for weather resistance, then engineered internal mounting systems for secure transport. Automotive-grade paints matched the show’s signature style while ensuring durability through changing climates.
These larger-than-life sculptures became mobile photo opportunities, generating viral content at every tour stop. With smart engineering and quality materials, brand activations can go the distance, literally traveling thousands of miles while staying camera-ready.
Android 16: Tech Meets Artistry for Google
Google’s latest OS celebration transforms their Mountain View campus with an interactive carousel featuring The Bot in Material 3 Expressive design. Our Android sculpture combines steel engineering with foam artistry! We created a functional merry-go-round where UI-inspired seats invite employees to take a spin.
The weather-resistant Bot, carved from foam and protected with hardcoating and automotive paint, anchors this playful installation. Beyond static display, this experiential piece encourages participation while generating shareable moments. The Android 16 project exemplifies how brand installations can balance sophisticated design language with pure fun, turning corporate campuses into destinations worth visiting.
Lady Liberty at Fanatics Fest: Reimagining an American Icon
When Fanatics Fest needed show-stopping centerpieces, we transformed America’s most recognizable statue into athletic superstar. Two larger-than-life Liberty sculptures—one making a catch at the wall, another hoisting a WWE championship belt—welcomed thousands of fans with familiar New York pride and superstar sports swagger.
CNC-carved from high-density foam and finished with automotive paint Pantone-matched to that iconic copper patina, these are playful icons that captured a New York state of mind. The sculptures sparked endless selfies and social shares, extending the event’s reach far beyond the venue walls. Today, they’ve been installed permanently at the Fanatics offices!
Why Smash Design Delivers the Best Brand Activation Results
Each of these projects showcases different aspects of what makes Smash Design the premier choice for experiential marketing sculptures. From conference installations that become permanent attractions to traveling exhibitions that build nationwide buzz, our foam sculpture expertise transforms brand visions into physical experiences.
These five activations demonstrate our range, craftsmanship, and understanding of marketing objectives. Whether your next campaign needs whimsy, sophistication, or technological innovation, Smash Design has proven we can deliver. Our installations always exceed expectations and create lasting impressions.
Ready to discuss your next brand activation? Let’s explore how foam sculpture can elevate your experiential marketing strategy.