Expected duration: 3 - 4 weeks We are looking to bring on a designer who can help capture our vision for a specific mascot/character (with multiple poses and accessories) and deliver a series of images and backdrops that work well together. I had no idea what to select as a budget because there are several layers to this project, but we know it's not as simple as a single illustration, it's more of a series.
As a creative agency, our focus is on development and guiding the aesthetics. We don't draw or illustrate ourselves, rather relying on skilled professionals, which is why we're here. :)
Our goal is to repackage the delivery of the services we offer in a way that is easier for clients to understand, more engaging, and more attractive. Basically, we want to take the boring "me too" aspect of web design agency sites and bring a fresher appeal.
I'm attaching examples of the kind of design styles that resonate with us because we don't want anything that looks like traditional clip-art or overly "cartoony." We can only post 3 images, however, so I can send more separately if needed. Hopefully these provide a good initial sample.
For each of the four characters/mascots, I would be fine using myself as the base character, but you'll need to pretty me up. It wont be easy. ;) Of key importance is that the character will be the same for all four types, only the outfits and accessories would change.
The four characters will be a Guide, a Mechanic, a Marketer, and a Designer. These are the four service areas we offer to people. So, as an example, all four would be of the same character, but there would be enough of a difference in their dress and accessories to distinguish them from the others.
The Guide might be in a safari outfit with binoculars, a map, a backpack of assets, etc. Whatever would communicate that we offer consulting, guidance, and instruction to our clients. The Mechanic, Marketer, and Designer would have their own look and accessories, but you get the idea. I can provide those details separately.
These four characters would be posed in such a way to communicate confidence. Perhaps standing with arms crossed. We can discuss this and I can source examples. Think Fortnite pre-game, where the characters are standing in wait. If you can reference that. :) They will stand as a group at the top of the home page, but each would be used independently when using them to promote various services (i.e. consulting, tech support, marketing, design).
As for the backdrop, we are attracted to the styles used by Lemonade.com and some of the Waze promotions (also attached). Basically, a subtle one- or two-color backdrop, simple illustrations, and really just enough to set the tone. Not looking for some ornate background. I want simple, from small town Main Street America to cityscapes. The examples attached are spot-on accurate.
All this said, I look forward to connecting with interested illustrators and then collaborating with the one who looks to be the best fit. We will have ongoing needs as we build out other pages and promotionals, but getting the characters right are the first order.
Thank you for reading this far, and please note that we really only want to work with people who read and understand this brief. Canned responses will be nixed unless the portfolio blows us away. :)
