Garrett Lamberth on Crafting Mascots

In the competitive world of branding, mascots serve as the friendly faces that help brands connect with audiences in a memorable and emotional way. But what goes into creating a mascot that resonates? We sat down with Garrett Lamberth, Project Manager at Promo Bears, to explore what it takes to bring a custom mascot to life – from initial sketches to full-blown characters with personality, presence, and purpose.

Meet Garrett

“I’m Garrett Lamberth, project manager here at Promo Bears,” he starts with a warm smile. “I’m an American-Dutch dual national, and I started here in November 2023.”

Garrett is more than a coordinator—he’s the glue between imagination and execution. At Promo Bears, each client works directly with Garrett, ensuring a stress-free and cohesive experience from the first call to the final costume fitting.

“We have numerous departments, but our clients don’t have to bounce between them. I handle everything. They just get to have a nice conversation with me—and behind the scenes, I take care of the rest.”

A Creative Spark: How Garrett Found His Way

to Mascots

While many fall into branding through strategy or design, Garrett found his niche in storytelling—specifically, through characters.

“No two projects are alike. Each mascot has its own identity, its own look and feel. And every client—from nonprofits to schools to corporations—comes in with their own idea of what they want.”

Helping them shape that idea into a living, joyful character is Garrett’s favorite part of the job. “At Promo Bears, we say ‘bringing your mascot to life.’ That’s exactly what I get to do.”

The Process – Bringing Mascots to Life

So, how does a mascot go from an idea to a full costume? For Garrett, it all starts with one question: What do you want your mascot to say?

“People often come in thinking they know what they want—but they haven’t figured out the character’s backstory, expression, or even species,” Garrett explains. “That’s where I come in. We work together to define that.”

Every design is tailored, not just artistically but strategically. “You’re going from a 2D sketch to a 3D costume. There will always be small changes, and managing expectations is key.”

One of the most important things Garrett does? Set the tone early. “This isn’t hyper-realism. Most mascots don’t have moving facial parts—it’s all about posture, color, and vibe. We focus on personality.”

Some of Garrett’s favorite mascots are the ones that are completely out of the box. Take, for example, the beaver shark—yes, you read that right.

“It was for a scout camp’s aquatics department. They needed a mascot to help ease kids’ fears about water. A shark might seem intimidating, but a beaver shark? Suddenly it’s relatable and fun.”

Or the panda mascot designed for a luxury hotel in Washington D.C.: “They wanted something families could connect with—and remember long after their stay. We gave that panda a whole backstory. It wasn’t just a face—it was a character.”

Digital Mascots & the Evolution of Character Designs

Mascots are evolving. While Garrett still loves the tactile joy of a costume, he acknowledges the growing trend toward digital avatars.

“Your mascot shouldn’t just appear at community events or trade shows—it should live online, in your social media, your stickers, keychains, even coloring sheets. It extends the life and value of your brand.”

When asked which classic mascot he’d love to redesign, he laughs: “Mr. Peanut. He’s iconic, but I think he needs a little spice. Maybe a mustache.”

Final Thoughts: Mascots Are for Every Brand

Mascots aren’t just nostalgic cartoon characters—they’re strategic branding tools that leave lasting impressions. Whether you’re a school, a startup, or a global business, a custom mascot gives your brand a face, a voice, and a whole lot of personality.

Ready to bring your brand to life?
Connect with Garrett and the team at Promo Bears to create your custom mascot—whether you’re thinking panda, beaver shark, or something that’s never been seen before!

Want to hear more? Watch the full interview below!