| A two-dimensional sketch is created to show how the character will be designed as a balloon. This concept is evaluated and approved by the engineers for necessary aerodynamics and by the character's creators for likeness and personality. |  | The clay model is an exact scale replica of the actual balloon. Parade studio artists create it by working closely with the character's creator to ensure complete likeness while paying close attention to size and cubic volume to ensure successful flight. | | A second model is painted with the exact details and colors to be duplicated on the big balloon. Then, actual-sized pattern pieces are cut from polyurethane and hot-sealed to form the final shape. Each chamber of the balloon features a large zipper, an inflation device and a high-pressure valve. | |
