Custom Production of Nanci Art Exhibition Installations: An In-Depth Case Study from Craft Implementation to Independent Site Customer Acquisition

With the growing influence of IP-driven commercial operations worldwide, custom Nanci art exhibition installations have become an effective solution for shopping malls and brand events seeking to create immersive experiences. As a professional prop manufacturing factory with more than ten years of experience in custom large-scale cartoon sculptures, we were deeply involved in the design refinement, production, and on-site adaptation of this Nanci healing-themed installation series. Through established fiberglass molding techniques, meticulous surface finishing, and structural optimization for different environments, we brought the IP’s soft, comforting visual identity to life while demonstrating the value of professional IP installation providers in the commercial prop market.

I. Project Background: Market Demand and Customization Challenges for Nanci IP-themed Installations

As trendy-toy culture continues to expand into offline commercial spaces, IP-themed exhibition installations have become a mainstream tool for attracting foot traffic and supporting brand events in shopping malls. Nanci, a well-known trendy-toy IP recognized for its signature “blowing bubbles” motif and healing aesthetic, presents three major challenges when translated into physical installations. First, its distinctive rounded forms and bubble-shaped nose can easily lose their proportions when scaled up. Second, its signature soft matte texture and gradient color palette require a high level of consistency across multiple pieces. Third, the project spans both outdoor plazas and indoor atriums, requiring the installations to meet different requirements for structural safety and weather resistance.

The client expected us to follow the IP’s visual guidelines precisely while scaling the main installation, developing a series of supporting character installations, and producing scene-specific props, ultimately creating an environment that was “highly photogenic, interactive, and suitable for all scenes.” According to global commercial prop industry analysis, the market for IP-licensed custom installations has a compound annual growth rate of 18.7%, with cartoon character installations ranking among the strongest categories in terms of repeat customer demand. This highlights the growing value of factories capable of delivering highly faithful IP-based custom installations and suggests greater potential for stable order growth.

II. Core Processes: Key Technical Points for Custom Production of Nanci Art Exhibition Installations

The core challenge in producing custom Nanci art exhibition installations can be summarized as “large-scale without distortion, multiple pieces without deviation.” Achieving this level of consistency requires rigorous process control throughout the entire workflow, from 3D modeling and forming to surface finishing.

1.Precision Control in 3D Modeling and Proportional Scaling

For fiberglass cartoon character installations exceeding 3 meters in height, we use a process centered on “small-scale prototype calibration and large-scale structural segmentation.” We first create a 1:1 3D model based on the official IP vector artwork, with particular attention to the head contours, ear curves, and three-dimensional form of the bubble nose to ensure that every surface transition remains consistent with the IP’s visual specifications. After the modeling stage, we produce a 30 cm resin prototype. Once the design is approved by both the client and IP owner, the model is scaled up proportionally. The main large-scale installation uses a galvanized steel welded frame, with structural stress points assessed according to the installation height and site conditions to support wind and earthquake resistance. The outer shell is produced from food-grade fiberglass using a multi-layer molding process, with the shell thickness controlled at 8–12 mm to achieve an appropriate balance between strength and weight.

2.Achieving High-Fidelity Surface Texture and Color

Much of Nanci’s healing aesthetic comes from its soft color palette and delicate surface textures. We therefore apply different finishing processes to different components:Skin and main clothing: matte soft-mist spray finishing, with multiple rounds of color correction to reproduce the IP’s original pinkish skin tone and gradient hair colors. Eyelashes and other fine details are hand-painted to maintain consistent expressions across all pieces.Bubble nose: produced separately from semi-transparent frosted resin. Once installed, it creates a translucent bubble effect that serves as a key visual highlight.Supporting scene props: for example, cat-bed interactive installations use short-pile flocking, while yarn-ball props are finished to reproduce the texture of wrapped yarn, adding greater tactile depth to the overall environment.For outdoor installations, we apply an additional UV-resistant clear coating to improve resistance to weathering and long-term aging.

3.Consistency Control for Series Installations

This project includes multiple Nanci installations featuring cats, rabbits, elephants, frogs, and other forms, ranging from 80 cm to 5 m in height. We use unified modeling standards and a standardized color-reference system, with the first piece of each design approved before moving into mass production. During production, we conduct spot checks on every three pieces to maintain a high level of consistency in color, shape, and texture throughout each installation series.

III. Full-Scene Adaptation: From Outdoor Squares to Mall Atriums Installation Experience

As a professional factory specializing in IP props for shopping malls, our service extends beyond manufacturing. We also provide scene-specific adaptation solutions to ensure that each installation performs effectively in its intended environment.

1.Outdoor Square Scene: Safety First, Eye-Catching Visuals

Outdoor squares serve as the primary display areas for the project, with a 5-meter-tall cartoon installation becoming the dominant visual focal point. During the design stage, we assessed the ground conditions at the installation site and developed an embedded fixed base accordingly. The complete installation is designed to withstand level 10 winds. All exposed edges are rounded to reduce the risk of accidental contact or impact. We also developed matching ground graphics, smaller photo-op installations, and interactive props around the same theme, creating a complete visitor flow from “main installation – check-in point – interactive area” and encouraging passersby to stay longer and take photos.

2.Mall Atrium Scene: Flow Guidance, Immersive Experience

Shopping mall atrium installation production focus more on creating an immersive atmosphere and the placement of popular photo spots.We position the main installation within the atrium’s central visual zone, with its height adapted to the ceiling so that it remains clearly visible from multiple floors. Smaller installations and yarn-ball props are arranged around it in a staggered configuration to guide visitor flow. On smooth indoor marble flooring, we use weighted bases with anti-slip pads to provide reliable stability without damaging the floor surface.

IV. Quality Control and Delivery: How Factories Ensure the Quality of Large IP Installations

For projects such as custom IP installations for the Nanci Art Exhibition, quality-control and delivery requirements are significantly more demanding than those for standard props. We have established a full-process project management system to maintain both product quality and delivery efficiency from the outset.

The first step is a pre-production confirmation process. Before production officially begins, we submit 3D renderings, structural stress documentation, color swatches, and process specifications to the client. Production proceeds only after all key details have been confirmed in writing, helping minimize the risk of costly rework later. On the production side, we maintain dedicated QC procedures, with defined acceptance criteria for every stage, from raw material procurement and molding to surface sanding, painting, and final installation. For IP customization projects, we also strictly observe copyright requirements, retaining no production data unnecessarily and never disclosing unpublished IP designs.

Finally, we provide delivery and after-sales support. Large installations are packaged in separate components, with pearl cotton foam used for internal cushioning and wooden frames providing external protection during transportation. We supply detailed installation manuals and video guides, and can provide on-site installation services when required. For after-sales support, we offer a one-year free warranty and lifetime maintenance at cost. There is a common principle in the industry: high-quality IP customization must strike the right balance among visual accuracy, structural safety, and overall project cost. This is the standard we consistently uphold when serving our clients.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.How long does it take to custom-make a large-scale Nanci-style installation?

Answer: The production timeline depends on the size, quantity, and complexity of the installations. In general, a 3–6 meter main piece accompanied by 5–8 smaller supporting pieces takes approximately 25–40 working days from start to finish. This includes 3D modeling, prototype development, mass production, packaging, and shipping.

2.How long will an outdoor cartoon installation last without fading or damage?

Answer: Outdoor versions use weather-resistant fiberglass, automotive-grade paint, and UV-protective coatings. Under normal outdoor conditions, the colors can remain vibrant for 3–5 years, while the main structure can have a service life of more than 10 years. We also provide annual maintenance and paint-repair services.

3.Can we customize a 3D installation based on a flat IP illustration?

Answer: Absolutely. Our professional 3D design team can transform a flat IP illustration into a fully developed 3D design, complete with multi-angle renderings and 3D model files. Once the client approves the design, we proceed to production while keeping all project stages aligned and coordinated.

4.How are customer transportation and installation issues handled?

Answer: Large equipment uses a split design that fits standard container shipping. We also provide a full set of installation drawings and video instructions, and can arrange for technicians to come on-site for installation if needed (travel expenses are calculated separately).