Visual Communication - Bachelors

Kaeru

trophy Awarded

Kaeru represents a mascot-driven brand identity, personifying the role of a compassionate older sibling figure and companion who offers guidance to the younger audience as they navigate life's complexities. Kaeru embodies wisdom, adventure, and the essence of human connection. It weaves these qualities through various physical and digital touchpoints, fostering empathy and relatability in the modern-day search for self-discovery.

Michelle Waller

Project context

This project is a reflection of my personal journey through adulthood, deeply influenced by my older sister, who’s been a constant source of wisdom, shared experiences, and captivating stories that have significantly shaped who I am today. The essence of this venture flows from my passion for immersive gaming environments and media within Japanese culture, with a special focus on branding and storytelling through character design, illustrations, and UI design. The mission of this brand is to extend the kind of guidance I was fortunate to receive from my Big Sister to younger individuals, promoting connections and empathy through relatable experiences. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the deliverables. Enjoy and thankyou (´｡• ᵕ •｡`).

DELIVERABLES

Full brand identity – logo, typography, mood board, colour pallet, mascot design, print collateral and merch (stickers, magnets, shirts, tote bags)
Digital Prototype of mascot – 2D and 3D
3 x Physical Prototype of mascot – 3D printed
3 x Packaging for mascot collectible
2 x digital print posters
App prototype – forum, merch store
Show reel – including animation and designed brand assets

BRAND IDENTITY

Showreel

Mascot design

#1 – Advice kaeru

#2 – Adventure kaeru

#3 – connection kaeru

KAERUS IN DIGITAL CONTEXT

LILYPAD – DIGITAL HUB APP

INTERACT WITH PROTOTYPE

LilyPad App

KAERU BRAND COLLATERAL

WEARABLES

HANGABLES

COLLECTIBLES

Stickers

The stickers are aimed to be mostly cute and for decoration, but the stickers featuring a QR code which leads to the Lilypad app, can be placed around places in Brisbane for more awareness and encourage the younger audience to use them and sign up to the app and “join the club”. These QR code stickers could be placed in places younger audiences usually attend such as libraries, shopping centres and playgrounds.

Michelle Waller

Michelle is a digital designer based in Meanjin (Brisbane). She draws inspiration for her designs from the immersive worlds of interactive games and media within different cultures. She enjoys working across a diverse range of media ranging from illustrations, branding, typography to 3D modelling. She always aims to learn new skills that can broaden her skills and push herself as an emerging designer.