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The Casto Corner
Unlocking Creativity: Highlights from CASTO's Hands-On Themed Finishes & Materials Training
Over four incredible weekends, CASTO Creative, alongside UCF and top-tier industry sponsors, hosted "The Artistry of Themed Finishes: A Hands-on Material & Lab Technical Training." This unforgettable workshop opened doors for students and professionals alike, diving deep into the world of themed construction through hands-on practice, mentorship, and creativity. From decorative concrete and vertical carving to scenic painting and resinous coatings, participants got an intimate, real-world look into the artistry and craft behind immersive environments. Let’s take you inside the action — and trust us, you’ll wish you were there!
Epic Universe: A New Chapter in Themed Environments
The debut of Universal’s Epic Universe sets a new benchmark for immersive design in themed entertainment. In this article, we journey through the park’s breathtaking lands—from Celestial Park to Super Nintendo World—and reflect on the artistry, hardscapes, and painted finishes that bring them to life. While keeping a respectful distance from direct attribution, this visual showcase honors the unseen hands who helped shape the environments guests now explore. A must-read for fans of theme park design, architecture, and environmental storytelling.
Expert Q&A — A Conversation with Matthew Casto
In this Casto Corner feature, we sit down with Matthew Casto, Principal Art Director at CASTO Creative, for an in-depth conversation about the craft and complexity behind themed construction. With a career spanning over 30 years and projects in more than 68 countries—including iconic destinations like Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Beijing, and the upcoming Epic Universe—Matthew has seen firsthand what it takes to bring imagination to life.
In this interview, he unpacks the concept of constructability—the essential balance between artistic vision, structural integrity, and real-world functionality. He speaks candidly about the challenges facing the industry today, from the decline of skilled artisans to the need for deeper collaboration across creative, production, and operational teams. Most powerfully, Matthew reflects on the transformative role of mentorship, sharing how training the next generation not only shapes the future but continues to inspire his own journey.
Whether you're a designer, builder, or simply fascinated by the magic behind immersive environments, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and passion for a craft that’s as imaginative as it is technical.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Themed Construction
This week on the Casto Corner Blog, we explore how digital tools are reshaping the world of themed construction. In an inspiring conversation with Jesse Hanson—fabrication specialist and digital innovator—we dive into how 3D printing, scanning, and modeling are revolutionizing how immersive environments come to life.
Jesse shares his insights on bridging art and technology, discussing how digital workflows speed up production, enhance precision, and preserve artistic integrity. From theme parks to public art installations, we explore real-world applications and what it means for the next generation of builders and creatives.
Whether you're a tech-savvy designer or a curious traditionalist, this post offers a glimpse into the future of constructability and why embracing digital tools isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
What Is Themed Construction? A Deep Dive into Themed Finishes and Their Real-World Impact.
What exactly is themed construction — and why is it everywhere, from theme parks to pediatric hospitals?
In this in-depth post, CASTO Creative explores the evolution, purpose, and execution of themed construction, revealing how storytelling and structural design intersect to shape immersive environments. You'll learn the difference between horizontal, vertical, and scenic finishes, and how each contributes to a guest's emotional and sensory experience. The article also walks through sequencing, creative approvals, and the essential role of field art direction.
But themed construction isn’t just for roller coasters and mega-resorts — it shows up in our everyday lives: in churches, playgrounds, restaurants, museums, and even healthcare settings. This blog unpacks how and why themed finishes are used to evoke feelings, reinforce brands, and build meaningful spaces people remember.
Whether you're a designer, architect, contractor, or curious creator, this post provides valuable insight into the artistic and technical world of themed environments — and CASTO’s unique role in building the bridge between concept and constructability.