In the world of marketing and branding, mascots play a unique role in bringing a brand’s personality to life. These characters are more than just costumes; they embody the spirit of a company, capturing the attention and hearts of audiences everywhere. We had the opportunity to sit down with Rebecca, our senior project manager. She has been at the forefront of creating some of the most memorable mascots over the past five years at Promo Bears. Rebecca’s journey is one of growth, creativity and a passion for making characters that resonate with people of all ages.

From Trainee to Team Leader

Rebecca began her career at Promo Bears in 2018 as a trainee. Over the years, she has climbed the ranks to lead the project management team for the USA & World market. Reflecting on her journey, Rebecca shares how she gradually took on more responsibilities, learning the ropes from her colleagues and adapting to the demands of the job.

One of the more interesting aspects of being a project manager is the variety of projects she handles. One of her earliest solo projects involved a mascot with a closed mouth – a design challenge that required innovative thinking. “Most mascots have an open mouth, which allows for better visibility for the performer inside”, Rebecca explains. “But this one had a mesh-covered closed mouth, and we had to ensure it looked good while still providing a clear field of vision.” The result was a successful blend of aesthetics and functionality, setting the stage for many more unique projects to come.

Viking Mascot with Closed Mouth in Action

The Art of Mascot Creation

Creating a mascot is, of course, more than just designing a costume; it’s about understanding the audience and the message the character needs to convey. Rebecca explains that the face of the mascot is the most crucial part, as it’s what people will connect with the most. Whether the mascot needs to be fierce to appeal to older audiences or friendly and approachable for younger children, every detail matters.

When advising others on creating a mascot, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of thinking about the character first before worrying about the practicalities of the costume. “Start with the character you want, then worry about the practicalities”, she says.

One memorable such project involved making minor adjustments to a mascot’s design to meet a client’s expectations. “They wanted the little hairs on the mascot’s head to be more flowy”, Rebecca recalls. “We had to make quick adjustments and send another video to show how the hair moved.” It’s these small details that make a big difference in the final product, and Rebecca takes pride in ensuring every element is just right.

The Joy of Creation

For Rebecca, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing a project come to life and knowing that the client is happy with the final product. “I always love it when clients say ‘Wow, that looks amazing’”, she says. But the real satisfaction comes when the mascots are delivered, used at events, and shared on social media. That’s when Rebecca knows she’s helped create something special.

Rebecca’s passion for mascots is evident when she talks about her favorite projects. One of her favorites is Morris the Explorosaurus (on the right), a mascot she instantly connected with due to its charming name. Another beloved project is Ellie the Elephant, designed for an early education center in Australia. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rebecca fondly remembers this project for its creativity and the joy it brought to the team.

Looking Forward

Since she started 5 years ago, the company has grown significantly, nearly doubling its output. What started as a small team is now a bustling operation, producing up to 18 mascots per week. With new departments and more people on board, the future looks bright for Rebecca and her team.

As she continues to lead and innovate, Rebecca remains focused on her ultimate goal: to create mascots that not only meet but exceed client expectations. “If the client’s happy, then I’m happy.” She says, encapsulating the spirit of a project manager who truly cares about her work.

Whether it’s a small tweak to a design or a complete mascot overhaul, Rebecca is there to ensure that every project is a success. And with her dedication and passion, it’s clear that the mascots she helps create will continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Want to know more? Watch the full video below!