Mascots may be seen as a fun thing, which it is, but a mascot also plays an important role in building brand awareness and interest. Many companies make use of the power of mascots. An unforgettable mascot would have done the job well if people remember it. People can then associate the mascot to a particular company or cause.
A striking mascot costume certainly helps, but so does the performance of the mascot as well. Several skills need to be combined into one. A mascot has to be able to engage children and adults as well. If you are a mascot, or you are about to be one, here are some simple but valuable tips for you.
1. Make Grand Gestures & Movements
A mascot must be able to exaggerate movements and gestures. The way a mascot walks or waves can draw attention. Mascot uniforms tend to be quite large, so make sure that everything you do appears larger than life. Wave your whole arm or add a spring to your step.
2. Just Like Superman…
As a mascot, you should never let anybody see you get in or out of your uniform. Just like Superman, you’ve got to find a private area to change, though phone booths are definitely not recommended!
3. Show Respect
Since people are different, they will react differently to a mascot. Most people in general will be fine but you may have the rare occasion when someone just doesn’t want to know. If they don’t wish to have any interaction, respectfully leave them alone rather than trying to force it. You can high-five someone or offer a handshake if that is what they want. If someone wants a hug, by all means hug them, however, keep the hug at shoulder level and not around the waist. Also, with older folk and very young children, you need to move slowly, as they may become frightened.
4. Portraying Emotions
Since a mascot’s face is pretty much as is, you need to get creative to display emotions. Use your whole body to make gestures if need be. If you are really happy, try clapping and skipping. If you’re feeling shy, you can use your hands to cover your face and turn away from spectators while occasionally peeking through your hands. You can show sadness by hanging your head and have hunched shoulders. Practice these common emotions and come up with your own special moves.
5. Learn To Pace Yourself
You need to pace yourself so that you don’t get too tired and start fading as time goes on. Remember, it could be hot and you’ve got this big costume which will weigh you down a little. You don’t want to start off full of energy and then get too tired soon after, so learn to pace yourself. You need to engage and entertain the crowd and in order to do so, you need the energy.
Make sure to take your breaks and look after yourself as well. Have a sports drink to replenish electrolytes and energy. Remember to have fun since that is what it’s all about. If you have someone taping you, you can watch your performance and try to improve it. Just remember a few basic things and let your body language take care of the rest. Enjoy yourself because if you do, it will spread to the crowd.
