• Corporate mascots are seen everywhere from Ronald McDonald to the Michelin Man. Selecting that special character that can be the face of a corporation is an important decision. Find something that directly represents what you want your clients, and more important, potential clients to know or believe about your company. Create a character that represents what is best about your corporate identity.
  
  

Animal Characters

• This is the category that mascots like Chuck E. Cheese belong to. Animal characters appeal to the child in all of us. Choose an animal if your company serves families, or wants to be seen as a company that cares about even the youngest member of its constituency.
  
  Look no further than your company name for inspiration. If you happen to work for Eagle Car Wash, it's a no-brainer. Now choose what kind of eagle it will be. From serious perfectionist to goofy mixup the choices are almost limitless. Remember, if you choose a silly character, you may need another "straight man" to balance out the equation and keep the message on track.
  
  If your city or region has an official, or unofficial mascot, consider using the same animal. Tying in to what people are already familiar with can make them comfortable. Be sure not to copy anyone's design; you'll want yours to stand out as unique.
  
  Choose an animal that represents a key selling product of your product or service. Your tires might be as tough as a rhino, or your paint may provide the protective shell of a turtle. Once you've chosen, have a graphic designer sketch some ideas and choose and stick to one. It takes time for people to get to know things; don't change right away because they don't love Timmy Turtle as much as Mickey Mouse.
  
  

Forces of Nature

• People recognize the strength and power of natural forces. Maybe your product can be tied to an instantly recognizable natural phenomenon.
  
  A messenger service might be as quick as lightning. A wrecking crew might be likened to a tornado. The possibilities are endless. Be sensitive to local experience. If your area is prone to dangerous quakes, or storms, this may not be the best idea, unless you are offering protection of some sort. Don't forget the positive natural element. A smiling sun, or breezy, fluffy cloud might be just the mascot you're looking for.
  
  

Human Characters

• Using a hero type, such as the Orkin Man, or the soft-spoken Maytag Repair Man, gives people the ability to relate to your company and the values you want to be perceived as having.
  
  A sheriff who is no-nonsense might be great for a pest control company. The Western theme gives us great stereotypes for good and evil. A super-hero who can fix all of your office supply needs might rush to the rescue of cubicle dwellers in distress. Make sure he or she is attractive enough to be appealing, but consider making the mascot just a bit "off" to keep the obsession with your product believable and not creepy.