What do humans, animals, objects and forces of nature have in common? Besides being within six degrees of Kevin Bacon, they’re also all used as mascots.
Making a mascot the face of your brand is a clever move. And contrary to popular belief, they’re not just a great choice for kids’ brands. Whatever business you’re in, there’s a mascot waiting to be unleashed. Here we’ve rounded up our favorite mascots across different industries. Watch our video below to learn more about the ins and outs of mascot design, and then read on for inspiration!
Let’s start with the basics: A mascot is loosely defined as any illustrated character representing your organization.
It differs from other types of logos because it appeals to emotions, as people tend to connect mascots with personalities. Without saying a word, a mascot logo employs a crucial aspect of the art of selling: first appeal to the heart, then the brain. Check out the examples below to see how it’s done.
Friendly and fun mascot logos
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Want to be pals with your customers? Use sympathetic elements like friendly characters in playful poses. Whether your target group is kids or you are generally looking to make your brand more approachable, this selection is sure to give you the warm fuzzies.
Childcare mascot logos
If you’re a childcare business that can get a kid to see a friend in your logo, you’re in the game. Big eyes, cuteness, and anthropomorphism make these childcare mascots appeal to children of all ages.
Environmental mascot logos
What better way to illustrate that your business is eco-friendly than to incorporate environmental elements with your mascot? Place your character on top of the world, or give a friendly face to what can sometimes be a dirty job.
Animal & pet mascot logos
Caring for animals and pets is serious fun. But who says fun and friendly have to be hokey? From vintage to modern, to playing with stereotypes, these mascots show a wide range of ways to have fun while expressing a message.
Mascot logos that show strength
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Furrowed brows, flexed muscles and weapons of destruction all imply dominance and power. From sports teams seeking to psych out their opponents to brands protecting their customers, to businesses wishing to evoke the dark aesthetic, here are some kickass mascots.
Sports mascot logos
Before the whistle blows, sports teams often try to show dominance and undercut their opponent’s will to fight—in effect winning the game before it’s begun. This can be done by striking fear into the opposition’s heart with an intimidating mascot.
Security mascot logos
Protection businesses want to show their prospects that they go hard on criminals. Using a strong and awe-inspiring mascot can let evildoers know they’d better beware and ease clients’ minds by letting them know they’ve got a reliable protector on their side.
Bar & microbrewery mascot logos
Primal instincts and carnal passions get exorcised when the giggle juice starts flowing. They’re not called “spirits” for nothing. Bars and microbreweries tap into the power of temptation by encouraging their patrons to cut loose. Gaze at these mascot logos from the dark side… if you dare (cue freaky organ music).
Mascot logos that inspire trust and confidence
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Maybe your brand isn’t so much looking to scare anyone. Luckily, there are a number of visual archetypes associated with creating a sense of calm and accountability. If you’re a business wanting to earn the trust of customers, here’s some mascot logo inspiration.
Accounting & financial mascot logos
Companies entrusted to handle other people’s moolah need to put their prospects at ease. Wise owls, zen warriors and friendly nerd characters show that these guys are on your side and know what they’re doing.
Construction mascot logos
Safety is the primary concern when it comes to construction and demolition. A reliable, vintage worker mascot shows that you’ve been around the block, and plucky animals communicate dogged professionalism. After all, nobody wants to be bothered with more banging and clanging than necessary.
Technology mascot logos
Tech companies have to be like good chess players, two steps ahead of the action. These mascots use modern software (like 3D rendering) and abstract styles to convey unique ways their businesses stay ahead of the information curve.
Mascots are crowdpleasers
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We’ve looked through a lot of different styles and even some specific industries where mascot logos are common, but at the end of the day, it is all about finding the best fit for your particular brand. Identify your company’s unique personality structure, and connect it with a visual archetype that resonates.
Customers will feel a connection with your mascot’s vibe and live vicariously through it. They’ll see themselves as predators poised to crush all opponents. They’ll feel like mature, responsible guardians of their money. They’ll feel like fun, loving animal protectors.
Establishing an emotional connection with your customers might be the thing that sets you apart from the competition, and might just have them in the stands cheering for all of the great work your company does.