Client: Thacker Avenue Elementary for International Studies
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Project: Wildcat Mascot & Global Learning Identity
School Type: Elementary School (International Studies Magnet)
School District: Osceola County School District
Background: Thacker Avenue, an international studies magnet school, needed Wildcat identity balancing playful appeal with educational credibility for global learning focus.
Our Task: Create friendly wildcat mascot resonating with elementary students while communicating international focus and cultural awareness.
Our Action: Designed spirited wildcat with bold red/black/white palette—versatile brand for educational and community contexts within magnet program.
Outcome: Wildcats identity deployed across campus. Distinctive brand establishes recognition within district’s magnet offerings while communicating global citizenship mission.
- Create a system that balances playful character with academic credibility
Strategic Approach
Our research into elementary school branding, particularly for specialized magnet programs, revealed the importance of creating identities that engage young imaginations while communicating educational purpose to parents and the community. The visual system needed to appear friendly and approachable while signaling the school’s distinctive international curriculum.
The wildcat was selected as the ideal mascot for several strategic reasons:
- The wildcat represents curiosity, adaptability, and energy – qualities that align with young learners
- The feline character offers potential for friendly, approachable styling appropriate for elementary children
- The “wild” nature connects metaphorically to exploring global cultures and international perspectives
- The mascot provides rich visual territory for both playful and more formal applications
- The distinctive character creates immediate recognition for the school
The color palette of red, black, and white was strategically chosen to:
- Create a bold, energetic presence through the dominant red
- Add sophistication through the contrasting black elements
- Incorporate white for clarity and balance
- Establish a distinctive presence that stands apart from other elementary schools
- Provide colors with international recognition that work across cultural contexts
Design Development
Mascot Creation
The Wildcat mascot was crafted with careful attention to both elementary appeal and brand versatility:
- The friendly wildcat face creates immediate engagement with young audiences
- The stylized treatment balances playfulness with clean graphic forms
- The distinctive features (whiskers, ears, eye markings) provide character recognition
- The circular framing device provides a natural container for the mascot
- The expressive design communicates energy and enthusiasm
The final design features an appealing wildcat centered in a circular badge with the “HOME OF THE WILDCATS” designation curving along the top. The “THACKER AVENUE” wordmark is boldly positioned below in a banner treatment, with “ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES” as a supporting descriptor, creating a balanced composition with clear visual hierarchy.
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