10 mascots that made their companies famous

I’ve been writing and discussing how mascots (or a custom-made illustration) can help your brand. Here are some of them if you need a refresher:

• Mascots matter: How characters drive customer engagement
• 10 mascot ideas for any industry or business
• How to grab attention with custom illustrations (feat. Thiago)
• Making tech companies more human through illustrations

But then, after listing them, I realized that you need the most credible proof that design can indeed help your company’s branding and marketing.

So let me present to you 10 companies that significantly improved their branding and marketing after introducing a mascot for their brand:

Geico Gecko

The Geico Gecko made its debut in 1999 as a part of Geico’s advertising campaign. The idea behind the gecko was to create a likable and memorable character that could deliver the company’s message in a light-hearted way.

The concept stuck with consumers, and the Geico Gecko has become one of the most recognizable mascots in the insurance industry.

M&M’s Characters

M&M’s characters, such as Red, Yellow, and Green, were introduced in 1954 when the candies began using color to differentiate their different flavors.

Over time, these characters developed distinct personalities, and their appearances in advertisements and commercials have played a significant role in establishing M&M’s as a fun and delightful candy brand.

KFC’s Colonel Sanders

The real Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), was the original face of the brand.

However, the fictionalized caricature of Colonel Sanders, with his white suit, glasses, and white goatee, became the official mascot and spokesperson after his passing in 1980.

The character has been featured in various marketing campaigns, helping to maintain the brand’s identity and authenticity.

Michelin Man (Bibendum)

The Michelin Man, also known as Bibendum, was created in 1898 by the Michelin tire company. Originally designed as a stack of tires, the character evolved into a more human-like figure over time.

The friendly and approachable appearance of Bibendum has helped Michelin become synonymous with quality tires and road safety.

Aflac Duck

The Aflac Duck was created in 1999 when the insurance company Aflac was looking for a way to increase brand recognition and stand out in a competitive market.

The quacking duck quickly became a hit, and the catchphrase “Aflac!” helped reinforce the company’s name in consumers’ minds.

Mr. Peanut (Planters)

Mr. Peanut has been the mascot of Planters since 1916. Created by a schoolboy in a contest to design the brand’s logo, Mr. Peanut has become an enduring symbol of the snack brand.

With his top hat, monocle, and cane, Mr. Peanut exudes sophistication and has been an effective marketing tool for the company.

Tony the Tiger (Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes)

Tony the Tiger made his debut in 1952 as the mascot for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. His famous catchphrase, “They’re Gr-r-reat!”, has become an iconic part of American pop culture.

Tony’s energetic and positive personality has helped maintain the cereal’s popularity over the years.

Pringles’ Julius Pringles

The character of Julius Pringles, also known as Mr. Pringles, has been the face of the Pringles brand since its inception in 1968. The design of the character, with his mustache and bow tie, reflects the playful and whimsical nature of the snack brand.

Wendy’s Twitter Persona

Wendy’s Twitter account gained fame for its witty, sassy, and humorous responses to followers and competitors. This unique and engaging persona has helped Wendy’s stand out on social media and attract a younger audience.

Jack Box (Jack in the Box)

Jack Box, the fictional founder and CEO of Jack in the Box, has been the company’s primary mascot since the late 1990s. Jack’s humorous and sometimes irreverent commercials have contributed to the fast-food chain’s marketing success.

The mascot is the beginning

Great things start from something small. A big commercial or a successful marketing campaign starts with a set of mascot illustrations for your brand.

Have one made for your company and if they stick and the audience responds well to them, then you have a potential celebrity icon.

Remember that the effectiveness of mascots can vary over time, and you can continue to include them in your branding and marketing strategies to stay relevant and visible to clients.