Not All Mascot Makers Are Created Equal: Here’s How to Find
The One
Let’s face it, choosing a mascot maker isn’t just another task to check off your to-do list. This is the face of your brand we’re talking about. The hugger. The high-fiver. The touchdown dancer. Your mascot is more than a costume, it’s your brand’s personality brought to life.
So, how do you pick the right team to bring your mascot dreams into reality? We’ve got your back. Here’s a fresh, no-fluff guide to choosing a custom mascot maker who gets it (and gets you).
1. Look at Their Portfolio. Really Look.
Would you hire a tattoo artist without checking their previous work? Exactly.
A great mascot maker should have a portfolio that pops. Think bold designs, different characters, and a range of styles that show off creativity and attention to detail. If everything looks the same? That’s a red flag. You’re not shopping off a rack, you’re building a one-of-a-kind brand ambassador.
2. Ask About Their Process (Because It Matters)
From napkin sketch to high-fiving fans, the journey of your mascot should be collaborative and clear. The best makers walk you through the process step-by-step, they don’t just throw a suit at you and say, “Good luck.”
Are they asking about performance environments? Storage needs? Climate? These aren’t just small talk, they directly impact materials, comfort, and durability. Details matter when you’re sweating through a summer parade or breakdancing courtside.
3. Judge Their Vibe - AKA Customer Service
Creating a mascot should be fun. But it also needs to be respectful, responsive, and full of open communication.
You want a partner, not a vendor. Someone who listens, adapts, and actually gets what you’re going for. The kind of people who get excited about your brand and work with you like it’s their own mascot on the line. Because it is.
4. In-House vs. Outsourced: Why It Makes a Difference
You wouldn’t buy a handmade guitar from someone who outsources the work to a factory, right?
The same goes for mascots. Companies that build in-house can ensure top-notch quality, keep timelines tight, and pivot fast if needed. Want to see photos mid-build? Need a last-minute tweak? In-house teams can handle it. Outsourced ones… not so much.
5. Cleaning, Repairs & Real-World Use
Mascots take a beating in the best way possible.
Whether they’re sweating it out at football games, riding golf carts in parades, or flying across the country for marketing gigs, they need to be tough. Ask about durability, cleaning, and repair services. Bonus points if the company has a dedicated mascot “spa” (psst… we do, in Texas).
6. Performer Comfort = Better Performances
Heavy heads, zero ventilation, and bad balance? That’s a recipe for a tired performer and a lackluster show.
The best mascots are designed with the performer in mind: lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and quick to change in and out of. When your mascot feels good, they perform better. And fans can tell.
7. Price ≠ Value
We all love a good deal, but when it comes to mascots, cutting corners = long-term pain.
Instead of asking, “How cheap can we get it?” ask, “What do we actually get for the price?” Do they include accessories like gloves and feet? A travel bag? Is there a warranty? Transparent pricing builds trust and ensures you’re comparing apples to apples.
8. Reputation Check
Before you commit, do your homework.
Look for client lists, testimonials, and recognizable brands that trust them. Have they been around a while? Do they have return clients? Do their mascots show up at major events or on TV? (Spoiler alert: ours do.)
Final Word: Your Mascot Deserves the Best
At the end of the day, your mascot isn’t just a costume. It’s a connection. It brings your brand to life, delights your audience, and turns followers into fans.
So don’t settle. Ask questions. Compare. And find a mascot maker who’s just as excited about your vision as you are.
Here at Street Characters Inc., we’ve helped hundreds of clients create custom mascots that steal the spotlight and we’d be honored to help you do the same.
Your mascot deserves to be unforgettable. Let’s make it happen.