Here is a breakdown of how I designed the mascot of my brand, Maple the panda bear.
It started with wanting to have a cute mascot to represent me online. I wanted it to represent my identity of Chinese and Canadian, so I took 2 things that each are known for: maple leaves/syrup and a panda bear.
I had an initial design of the bear in simple black and white with a maple leaf on its head. They would be named Maple and love eating maple syrup. Similar to the characteristics of Winnie the Pooh.
I wanted the design to be cute but not furry-like. In the end, I went with a similar design to Webkinz.
Here is the initial design:
After sitting with it and improving as an artist, I knew it was time to update and redesign this mascot. Especially since designing new characters to also represent my brand.
I knew I wanted to keep the cute aesthetic while also adding some Canadian aspects to it.
That’s when I decided on having the bear be half bear and half Chinese dragon. It would have a mane and horns along with a small tail.
The colours matched the colours of my logo (see rebranding 2024 post)
I also wanted to design an alternate form similar to the one for Fulynn Designs that would occur every 12 years.
Here is the final design:
I am quite proud with this design and I believe both aspects of the character (panda and Chinese dragon) are visible to be able to tell.
