The Maho Group envisioned a brand-new family entertainment experience as part of the Sonesta Resort’s rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Irma. They sought a cast of characters that would embody the vibrant culture of St. Maarten and engage guests across multiple platforms.
Our task was to design, create, and implement a unique character lineup that would seamlessly integrate into signage, websites, coloring books, merchandise, kids’ club zones, stage shows, meet-and-greets, puppet performances, and interactive activities.
We developed The Beach House Crew—a lively group of island friends:
- Iggy the Iguana – a cheeky, fun-loving rock star
- Penelope the Pelican – a bold adventurer with a pirate spirit
- Maarten Roots – a lovable young palm tree sprouting from a coconut
From initial concept sketches to final character designs, artwork, puppets, print materials, signage, and beyond, we handled every aspect of the project. Our work extended to performance training, onsite development, maintenance, and a strategic approach to retail and merchandise.
The Beach House Crew is more than just characters—they are a fully realized brand experience that brings the spirit of St. Maarten to life.
The puppets we built for Sonesta were large walkabout hand puppets with moving mouths, leaf mechs, eye blinks etc. Bringing these characters to life from idea, to design, to physical characters is a huge process. Here is a gallery of a behind the scenes look of how these characters were created.
About Us
Here at Fuzzy Lightbulb, we specialize in bringing unforgettable characters to life, crafting magical moments that leave a lasting impression. Through a collaborative approach that blends artistry, innovation, and a deep understanding of your audience, we create character experiences that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Our diverse portfolio spans theatre and theme parks, holiday resorts and hotels, cruise lines, corporate brands, and TV and film.
We offer bespoke services, from auditing existing IPs to character creation, puppet and mascot design, merchandise and retail strategies, as well as onsite training and maintenance. As our client, you’ll work directly with us—the creatives—ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to bring your vision to life!
And do come back to see what new and exciting projects we have been working on. 🙂