If you need a new mascot, the most important first step is to choose your mascot’s design. It’s a big job, so don’t try to tackle it on your own. Here are some tips for brainstorming mascot ideas with your team so you can choose the perfect mascot.
Look to the past
Did your team or business have a mascot years ago that was popular? Maybe you used a character in your marketing that resonated with your audience. Could you resurrect that character and give it a modern twist? This can be a simple way to get a great idea for a new mascot using elements from a tried and true favorite.
Don’t dismiss any mascot ideas outright
Some mascot ideas may seem unlikely, but don’t dismiss them until you’ve had time to think it over. Some of the most unlikely mascots, like the Geico Gecko, really resonate with their audience. Write down as many ideas as you can come up with, then eliminate the ones that just won’t work later on. You only need one great idea, so don’t be afraid to come up with dozens of mediocre ones in order to find it.
Look at photos of other mascots for inspiration
Take a look at your competitors’ mascots or even mascots from different businesses. Make notes about what you like, what you dislike, and what you’d do differently. Looking at other mascots can help you come up with mascot ideas of your own that are even better than the ones in the photos. Just make sure you don’t copy the other mascots. A unique mascot is better for your needs and will stand out better than one that’s too similar to another company’s mascot.
Know your audience
Is your audience mostly children or teens, or will your mascot need to appeal to adults instead? Maybe you need a mascot idea that will appeal to all ages and one that can mingle in the crowds, too. If you know what your audience wants in a mascot, you can give it to them, but how do you know what they want?
You need to know what resonates with your fans in order to design a mascot they’ll love. If you have time, you could ask your fans to submit mascot ideas, too. Or, ask them to vote for their favorite idea that your team generates. Either way, getting your fans involved in the design process can help you pinpoint the perfect mascot for your team.
Talk to a professional mascot designer
Mascot design is more important than just creating an image of a character and bringing it to life in a costume. You need to consider how your mascot will need to move, where you’ll be using the mascot, and how you plan for your mascot to interact with the audience.
A professional designer can help you address these details and more, so you can get a mascot that is fun, functional, and that will resonate with your audience for years to come.
If you need help with your mascot ideas, contact us at Hogtown Mascots. We can help turn your ideas into a great mascot that you’ll love.