Custom mascot costumes can be created for many reasons. One of the best reasons to use one is to educate people. Well-designed educational custom mascot costumes can deliver important messages that will resonate in people’s minds and potentially for their entire life. Here are a few such costumes that do an outstanding job of educating their target audience:
Buckles the Lifejacket — Red Cross
Being out on the water is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, dangerous events such as boats capsizing or falling over an edge can occur. If this does happen, then a lifejacket can save your life. Some adults and children often don’t know the importance of a lifejacket for water safety; this is where Buckles the Lifejacket comes in. In an effort to educate people about water safety, Buckles was created. His energetic, lively, and boldly coloured design reminds us of how visible a lifejacket is when we need to be saved from the water. His extremely happy face suggest to children that wearing a lifejacket is fun!
Daren the Lion — D.A.R.E.
The D.A.R.E. program is all about educating kids about dangerous drugs, so that they don’t end up using them. For many of our youth, avoiding drugs means being brave enough to not yield to peer pressure, and what creature is braver than a lion? His design blends this inherently brave creature with a cool outfit and demeanor that suggests that avoiding drugs is the “cool” thing to do.
McGruff the Crime Dog — The National Crime Prevention Council and the Ad Council
One of the biggest keys to stopping crime is to prevent it from happening in the first place. For years, his image was used to help kids find “McGruff Houses,” which are safe places when they feel as though they are in danger. Dressed in a Dick Tracy style trench coat, he is a friendly but serious bloodhound who can “smell crime.” This, along with the catch phrase “Take a bite out of crime” has helped McGruff become a favourite among children in North America. The scope of his educational content has also expanded to include bullying, general safety and staying in school.
Smokey the Bear — The United States Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council
Since his creation over 70 years ago, Smokey the Bear has grown to become a household name. Children throughout North America learn about how to prevent forest fires from this amicable bear. His design supports his ability to deliver his message in several ways: first, his attire is similar to what a park ranger would wear. This means that people will be reminded of Smokey’s message every time they see a park ranger. Second, being a bear reminds people of the fact that destroying the forest would be destroying Smokey’s home; creating a connection like this creates an empathy that strengthens the message. Third, Smokey’s design manages to have a serious, yet friendly face, meaning that people will take his message seriously, but he won’t frighten children.
Stella the Safety Skunk — Youth Safe NB
Every element of Stella’s design points towards one thing: being hurt stinks. This is a powerful message for children, who don’t always understand the importance of safety for themselves and those around them. Being a skunk alone reinforces this message, and her t-shirt, which says “Getting hurt really stinks!” in both English and French allows her to connect with children across various Canadian provinces.
Do you want your custom mascot costumes to educate?
If you would like to have a mascot costume that is effective as the ones discussed above, consult a mascot design expert.