Top 5 Favourite Brand Mascots
Let’s be honest, adulting is a scam. One minute you’re trying to figure out which cartoon is on next, the next you’re renewing a mortgage, calculating taxes, and desperately trying to act mature. I miss the innocent humour and pure visual fun of cartoons!
So, this month, I’m blending my two great loves: branding and cartoon characters/mascots.
There’s nothing better than watching a character leap off a page and become the soul of a brand, showing up everywhere from hilarious TV spots to gigantic roadside statues. A well-executed character adds personality, charm, and—crucially—a much-needed sense of humour. I’ve always wanted to design one, but alas, no client has yet recognized the need for my genius.
My Top 5 Favourite Character Mascots
5. Colonel Sanders (KFC)
Is there anything more authentic than the literal face of the company? The Colonel is an absolute icon. It’s truly inspiring that a 62-year-old Harland Sanders, selling chicken from a roadside gas station in Kentucky, could become the global, white-suited face of a fried chicken empire. It proves two things: you’re never too old to build a brand, and you can absolutely perfect 11 herbs and spices. That heritage brings genuine authenticity to the brand, representing its humble (and delicious) grass roots.
4. Kool-Aid Man
Oh yeah! This is the only character who can literally smash through a brick wall and everyone just cheers. Full of refreshing Kool-Aid and the kind of chaotic energy we all need on a hot day, this jolly, giant pitcher is a constant reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. Just grab a tall glass and stir up some sweet, thirst-quenching cherry mix (always the superior flavour!).
3. Domino’s Noid
Avoid the Noid! Back when pizza delivery was a war zone, Domino’s created the Noid: a weird little red-suited pest whose entire life mission was preventing your delicious pizza from arriving on time. You have to love the dedication to showing how annoying things can be! The claymation commercials were pure, bizarre gold. Unfortunately, his career came to an ironic halt in a very strange, non-claymation situation. If you want the full, weird story, check out the video.
2. ICEE Polar Bear
This bear is the unsung hero of the retail world! Seeing that friendly, perpetually chill face on the glowing slush machine was the official signal that shopping was about to get a whole lot better. Sure, a polar bear for a frozen beverage is an obvious choice, but it hits the tone and theme perfectly. He’s cool, he’s fluffy, and he represents a delicious, brain-freeze-inducing treat.
1. Big Boy
As a kid, seeing that life-sized statue standing proud outside the restaurant was the coolest thing ever. Bigger than life, smiling, and perfectly paired with the comforting scent of a grilling burger—it elevated a simple dinner into an entire experience. Seeing cartoon characters as statues just adds to the magic when you walk past it to enter the restaurant. Mascots don’t just sell; they turn memories into monuments.
Why Mascots Matter
A great mascot brings personality, charm, and a much-needed sense of humour to the often too-serious world of business. They attract the younger demographic, appeal to families, and allow your audience to look at your brand in a lighter, friendlier way.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a brand mascot to your marketing strategy, stop thinking and give it a try. You’ll be surprised at the smiles you get, and you can never have too many smiles directed toward your brand. (Plus, you might get to commission a cool statue one day. Win-win.)
