If you’ve been following my logo design blogs, you’ve likely heard me say that “a logo is the face of your brand.” Well, today, I truly mean it! In fact, your logo can have an actual face – complete with eyes, a nose (optional), a mouth, and even a body attached. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to creep you out here. As you can tell from the title, I’m talking about mascot logos.
We encounter mascot logos every day without even realizing it. From fried chicken to burgers and everything in between, mascots are prevalent in the world of branding. The beauty of a great mascot logo is that it doesn’t creep you out (unless, of course, that’s the intention). On the contrary, when trying to connect with customers on an emotional level, mascot logos are the way to go.
Mascots have their roots in high school and college sports, where they were used to engage fans. As time went on, they found their way into logos, continuing to foster that crucial emotional connection between brands and consumers.
Types of Mascot Logos
While mascot logos are most popular in the entertainment sector, particularly in gaming, they aren’t limited to this domain. Even the finance and automobile sectors use mascots to form emotional bonds with customers.
Mascots that Satisfy Your Appetite
Next time you’re out for lunch or ordering food, take a moment to notice the familiar faces on the packaging. Food chains and restaurants often use mascot logos that are welcoming, non-repulsive, and can entice customers to enjoy a “happy” meal.
Let’s take Colonel Sanders, for example. As a chicken lover, you’ve probably encountered the smiling Colonel numerous times at KFC since the brand’s inception in 1952. The Colonel has undergone some changes over the years, but the mascot logo has remained popular. Wendy, the red-headed girl, is another captivating mascot logo, illustrating the power of emotions and personal connection in branding. Wendy was actually the nickname of the founder’s daughter, and her logo underwent a modernization process in 2013 to better reflect the brand’s evolution.
Jovny, the Vlasic Stork
Mascot logos can even emerge from serious issues. Vlasic, a pickle company, introduced the stork mascot in 1974 during a time of low birthrates in the US. The analogy worked brilliantly, as storks were now delivering pickles instead of babies, catering to the cravings of pregnant women. This example highlights the ingenuity of marketing an issue through a mascot logo.
If you’re looking to create a mascot logo that attracts customers to your food joint, let’s connect and discuss how we can design a face that truly resonates with your target market.
Mascots That Keep Your Head in the Game!
When it comes to the gaming industry, mascots are everywhere. These logos need to be visually appealing to gamers, making use of sharp colors and bold fonts to catch the eye. While gaming company logos might not feature mascots themselves, their most popular games are often represented by mascots that become the brand’s signature logos.
Uncle Pennybags, also known as Mr. Monopoly, is a mascot logo that embodies the essence of the Monopoly game – the quest for riches. Even though the mascot was removed from the logo in 2017, Uncle Pennybags remains a valuable face for the brand.
And who can forget Sonic, the blue hedgehog? Sonic became SEGA’s mascot logo and had his own game. Though the logo has undergone some modifications, Sonic’s image remains deeply ingrained in our minds.
Here’s an Interesting Trivia About This Logo
Did you know that SEGA Games conducted a survey to determine their mascot logo? The hedgehog won, outrunning a dog and an egg man. This anecdote demonstrates the time and effort invested in finalizing a mascot logo, as it can either go very right or extremely wrong.
Automobile Logos – Mascots That Take You for a Creative Ride!
The automobile industry showcases remarkable creativity when it comes to mascot logos. While mascots don’t come with BMW or Mercedes, there’s more to the automotive family than just extravagant vehicles.
The Michelin Man, originally named Bibendum, serves as the mascot logo for the renowned tire company. He was introduced in 1894 and quickly became a charming brand identity. Another famous mascot logo is the Geico Gecko, a lizard who sells car insurance. Despite lizards being generally repulsive to some, the Geico Gecko is a welcoming and memorable mascot, even appearing alongside Marvel superheroes in television commercials.
Munching Mascots – The Snack-Time Logos
Your favorite snacks are often accompanied by mascot logos that feature bubbly creatures appealing to both children and adults. Take, for instance, Julio Pringles, the mustached mascot of Pringles. At first, his presence might seem odd, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that Julio’s face resembles the shape of a Pringle chip. The logo hints that each Pringle is the same size. Similarly, Mr. Peanut, the 100-year-old mascot of Planters, has become an iconic nut loved by many.
Should You Use a Mascot Logo for Your Brand?
It all depends on what you want to convey. Mascot logos are primarily used by brands aiming to project a fun and welcoming identity. These logos can be professional and serious while still attracting attention. Take Geico, for example. Their mascot logo is fun but conveys serious messages, just like their product and services.
So, even if you don’t belong to the world of video games or quirky snacks, a mascot logo can still represent your brand’s fun-loving, welcoming, and cordial identity.
Sources: Fullstop360.com/blog