Main task of the character development contest:
Create a mascot character for a mobile application in the genre of ironic tasker. This character should become the emotional "face" of the app — appearing in reactions, interface, achievements, and notifications. It must have personality, be flexible in visualization, and memorable.
Is the character real or fictional (person, animal, mythological or fairy-tale character, or do you need to invent one)?
Fictional bird. Should look like a real bird but with grotesque/cartoonish features (can mix elements of a sparrow, seagull, woodpecker, etc.). Not mythical, but modern and meme-like.
In what style should the task be executed?
Specify the gender and age of the future character.
Gender is undefined (gender-neutral), but with personality. Approximate age — “mature inside but looks like an adult tired of life”.
Specify items, clothing (uniform), details you want to see in the character:
Basic — no clothing, but with variable accessories appearing in different scenes:
notebook, to-do list, pencil
office glasses
cup of coffee
cigarette
“angel of death” costume (ironically)
medal or badge “achievement”
In what pose should the character be depicted?
Main pose — standing or semi-profile, with bright emotional facial expressions (must clearly convey emotions, most often pride). Should be ready for scaling, animation, and creating variants: sitting, waving, flying, sleeping, looking into the camera, puffed up, surprised, etc.
What impression should the image of the character create?
Proud, like that colleague who always knows everything but speaks with disdain
Elicits a smile and empathy because it looks like a user at 8:42 in the morning
Ironic, a bit tired of life but still functional
Confident in the user's failure but watching with interest whether it will really happen
Rejoices in procrastination — not evil, but more like: “so, again didn’t make it?”
Want to quote it or make it into a sticker
Gives a feeling that you are not alone in your imperfection — there is another “annoyed” but beautiful one nearby
Where will the character be placed?
✔ in the app
✔ on banners
✔ in the Facebook timeline header
✔ in presentations
✔ other: in push notifications, animations, goal and achievement screens
Does your company have a logo or corporate style?
Corporate style is in development, logo is not yet available
Should it be used in the design?
No, the character should be a standalone visual unit. But it is desirable that it harmonizes with a possible dark theme of the app and neon-pastel palette.
In what color scheme should the character be depicted?
Bright but not acid colors. Preferences:
turquoise
blue
yellow
violet
possible accents: pink, green, lime
Dark outline or adaptation for dark background — recommended
Specify any undesirable elements, if any:
❌ Realism
❌ Human features or monstrous animal style
❌ Empty or indifferent facial expression
❌ Heartless “corporate style” with cans and shadows
❌ Similarity to cartoon characters (such as Keesh and EngrBerds)
Provide examples of characters you like:
Duolingo (owl) — for character and communication
Clippy (Microsoft) — for cult status and recognizability
Finch App (bird) — for empathy
Memojis — for expressiveness
Reddit Snoo — for minimalism + emotionality
Provide examples of characters you consider unsuccessful:
Banal corporate characters in the style of openpeeps
Emotionless mascots of “universal apps”
Too detailed fantasy creatures that are hard to adapt
In what form would you like to receive the source material?
Vector (AI, SVG)
PNG with transparent background
Main pose + 3–6 emotional/stage variants
(optional) PSD with layers for animation
Guide with palette and shapes
Provide any additional information you consider important.
Mascot — the central figure of the brand. It will communicate with the user.
Must work well in different poses and emotions (from “well done” to “did you really do it?..”).
Irony — our style. Meme-ness — our tool.
It is desirable that the character has potential for animation in Lottie/After Effects.
Several screenshots:
https://prnt.sc/75unXqWfggUg - the most successful version so far
https://prnt.sc/OGgw1SaWC07p - first version - currently the main one
https://prnt.sc/k5nYWyur9nJI - one of the concept variants (not suitable)
All of this is also added to the contest files.
Final word
The mascot should be as human-like as possible.
The user is a person with time management problems, and the bird also has its flaws. They should agree on that. The bird will rejoice when the user fails to stick to their plans because it is the same way.
Do not perceive the examples in the materials as a basis or limitation — rethinking, fresh ideas, and refinement are needed. The main thing is to match the idea.
We do not accept AI-generated work. Original work is required.
