Analyses of Local Mascot Characters and Proposal of Automatic Character Creation System Using Affective Words

Abstract

In this paper, first, analyses of local community mascot characters are carried out to obtain knowledge to be the popular ones. Next a mascot characters automatic creation system is proposed using these findings. As for the analyses, we used 200 mascot characters. Many interesting findings could be obtained such that dark-round eyes tend to contribute to be popular as a mascot character. The proposed system utilizing these findings can create a mascot character reflecting a user's image inputted by affective words. Many parts having degrees of affective images are prepared in the proposed system and are combined to form a character using Rough Sets Theory and an Interactive Genetic Algorithm framework. We performed evaluation experiments. Many mascot characters satisfying user's image were created and remarkable results were obtained through subjective evaluations. For example, by using the extracted rules from the analyses and Interactive Genetic Algorithm, the proposed system can create much favorable mascot characters. Moreover, we found some interesting tendencies of the color used to paint characters. One of them is that gentle characters are often painted in colors with low saturation.

Visualising an Academic Institution's Image Through Brand Mascots: Pradita University

“…On the other hand, unusual combinations, such as mixing a cow and a bird, while eye-catching, may be deemed unfamiliar and less friendly (Jiyavorananda et al, 2016). In terms of form, a study by Fathoni (2023) showed that circular body shapes are preferred, while another analysis by Hotogi and Hagiwara (2015) showed shorter legs tend to be favored. In terms of features, the aforementioned study by Hotogi and Hagiwara (2015) showed that circular black eyes are preferred, whil another analysis by Ito and Yamashita (2014) showed that rounded noses and animal-like mouths contribute positively in terms of viewer preference and cuteness and are indicated to create a good impression.…”

“…Colours play a pivotal role in shaping a character's impression (Hotogi & Hagiwara, 2015). For mascots, it's crucial to align colour choices with the brand's existing palette for consistency (Henderson, 2021).…”

“…Visualing an Academic Institution's Brand Image through Brand Mascots: Pradita University dramatically alter these emotions (Tillman, 2011, p.94, as cited in Henderson, 2011). Warm colour palettes are linked to friendly and cheerful characters, while cute and friendly ones often use more saturated colors (Hotogi & Hagiwara, 2015). If necessary, slight adjustments in warmth and saturation of brand colours can ensure the mascot's intended perception.…”

Aesthetic of Cuteness Dimensions in Malang City Mascot

“…They functioned as a communicator to the audience by focusing on positive emotions with their cuteness -cute visual appearance widely used in local mascot designs in Japan. Analysis of local mascot design in Japan raises ICADECS several affective words such as cheerful, simple, amiable, humorous, gentle, innocent, cute, gorgeous, carefree [3]. Another opinion states that the cute nature reflected in the emotions of social relationships such as moved, touched, heartwarming, nostalgia, patriotism, team spirit, and feeling God's love [4].…”

Kajian Visual Desain Karakter Pada Maskot Kota Malang

“…Berbagai maskot diciptakan untuk membantu proses komunikasi kepada khalayak sasaran, tujuannya untuk menggerakkan emosi positif dengan penampilan visual. Menurut Hotogi (Hotogi & Hagiwara, 2015) ada beberapa kata afektif yang didapat dari analisis desain karakter maskot lokal yang ada di jepang, seperti: cheerful, simple, amiable, humorous, gentle, innocent, cute, gorgeous, carefree. Kata-kata ini yang nantinya dapat diterjemahkan dengan menggunakan bahasa visual, dengan demikian karakter akan memiliki tampilan yang afektif dan menarik.…”