{"id":16225,"date":"2020-01-30T12:25:39","date_gmt":"2020-01-30T17:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=16225"},"modified":"2023-04-28T20:41:31","modified_gmt":"2023-04-29T00:41:31","slug":"logo-mascots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/blog\/logo-mascots\/","title":{"rendered":"Logo Mascots: Friend or Foe?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mascot logos are among the most memorable and recognizable logo types<\/a> out there. For many companies, mascots are essential to their brand identity. In fact, some mascots have become so synonymous with the organization they represent that they can no longer be separated.<\/p>\n

Think about how instantly our minds make the connection between Tony the Tiger and Frosted Flakes. Or Ronald McDonald and McDonald’s. Or that talking gecko and Geico Insurance. Establishing this kind of powerful brand recognition is invaluable in the distracted world we live in today, where countless competitors are just a thumb scroll away.<\/p>\n

What is a logo mascot?<\/h2>\n

Let’s begin with the basics. A mascot is generally defined as an illustrated character that represents an organization (you can think of them as miniature brand ambassadors). Mascots are either based on people, or anthropomorphic animals and objects. A logo mascot is exactly what it sounds like: a mascot that makes up part (or all) of a company’s logo.<\/p>\n

“Mascot” comes from the French word, “mascotte”, which means lucky charm. The word entered the English language in the 19th century, and eventually became associated with people, animals or objects that were thought to bring good luck.<\/p>\n

Over time, people began using mascots to represent groups with common public identities, such as professional sports teams, schools, or military organizations. Not long after, mascots made their way into the marketing world to represent brands.<\/p>\n

\"Michellin-man-logo-mascot\"<\/p>\n

The very first brand mascot in the United States was The Michelin Man, which was introduced in 1898. Other early mascots that have stood the test of time include The Morton Sea Salt girl (introduced in 1914), The Jolly Green Giant (introduced in 1925), and Borden Dairy Company’s “Elsie the Cow” (introduced in 1936). The rest is… well, history.<\/p>\n

What is the purpose of a logo mascot?<\/h2>\n

The primary purpose of a mascot is to strengthen your brand identity<\/a> and build brand recognition, both of which are essential ingredients in the success of any business. A good mascot will breathe life into your brand with human-like qualities that appeal to human emotions. Put it this way\u2014if you notice that a logo is making eye contact and smiling at you, it’s pretty hard to ignore it.<\/p>\n

By tapping into emotions, your mascot tells potential customers a lot about your brand, or what products or services you offer, without saying a word. Your mascot becomes your brand’s silent “spokesperson”, which in turn makes your business seem more personable and accessible.<\/p>\n