A Hog-Wild Way to Recruit New Students

More than a decade ago, the clever folks at the University of Arkansas admissions office devised a brilliant vehicle for connecting with the U of A community – a customized Volkswagen Beetle tricked out to look like an Arkansas Razorback. The “RazorBug” became a campus sensation, boasting its own webpage and hashtag.

The problem? Their current mascot on wheels had racked up some serious miles and the University needed a new ride – but the iconic VW Bug was no longer being produced. Luckily, the school secured a 2019 model and contacted Bridgewater to handle the rest, from snout to tail.

The Challenge

There were two primary challenges in this project. The first was to skillfully and precisely replicate the existing RazorBug but tailor it to the newer model Beetle, working strictly from reference photos provided by the University. The second was to choose the right fabrication materials and methods that would not only deliver the desired aesthetic but also be durable and road-safe. Our skilled in-house artists and fabricators deftly handled the first. The second challenge we approached with a sound strategy based on years of experience producing outdoor sculptures and 3D characters.

Strategy

Although we could have 3D scanned the original car, instead we leaned on our skilled in-house team of artists to replicate the existing model. The razorback components of the RazorBug were all produced by hand, using foam that could be contoured to fit the body shape seamlessly, resulting in a flawless finished product that looks factory-made.

Design

Working in close collaboration and constant communication with the University of Arkansas Admissions office, we designed a replica of the original RazorBug that felt true to the brand, and ultimately interchangeable with the original version. By involving the client at key design decision points throughout the process, we ensured that our vision for the end product was completely in line with client expectations at every step.

Production

By crafting all sculptural elements in foam, the components seamlessly contoured to the car and remained impressively lightweight. These pieces were attached by metal armatures that bolted to the body of the car, as well as attached via adhesives on the surface, providing added security. The newfangled RazorBug was then hard coated with Polygem and given a custom automotive paint job making it durable, road-ready, and undeniably eye-catching.