Mascot Design – Day 1: Introduction and Research

Pairs of characters for KG and Elementary audiences. Personality first, style to match.

🎯 Objective

Understand what makes a mascot memorable for young audiences. Research successful examples and record traits that can inform your own pair design.

Key vocabulary

Write one sentence for each question:

• What makes a mascot memorable for children.
• Why a pair might work better than a single character.
• Which design choice matters most for kids today: color, shape, or style.

Mini lesson – what successful pairs do

• Clear roles: tall with short, energetic with calm, playful with protective.
• Simple shapes: round and soft forms read friendly for KG and Elementary.
• Iconic accessories: hats, scarves, badges can carry brand meaning.
• Repeatable poses: a few signature poses help with page planning.

Example: Hidy and Howdy used friendly polar bear shapes plus cowboy hats and scarves to merge place and personality. Accessories reinforced the story and made the pair easy to spot across many touchpoints.

Guided research – famous examples

In pairs, pick at least two from: Wenlock and Mandeville, Hidy and Howdy, Flik and Flak. Record:

1. Traits for each character (height, energy, role).
2. Shape language (round, blocky, angular) and why it fits kids.
3. Brand signals (colors, accessories, local cues).
4. Where they show up in a publication or event.

Studio work – first ideas

1. Step 1
   Define a pair concept using opposites or complements. Write two short personality lines.
2. Step 2
   Sketch six thumbnails that explore shape and accessory ideas. Keep forms simple and friendly.
3. Step 3
   Mark your best two thumbnails and note one improvement for each.

What good looks like

• Two characters with clear, different roles that work together.
• Shapes that feel friendly and easy to read for young children.
• Colors and accessories that support the story and brand.
• Sketches show iteration, not just one idea.

1. Which pair concept did you choose and why will kids like it.
2. Name one real mascot pair that influenced your idea and what you borrowed.

• Do Now answers saved.
• Research notes for at least two famous pairs.
• Six thumbnails sketched for your own pair.
• Best two thumbnails marked with one improvement each.
• Exit ticket answered and file named correctly.