I was challenged to create a mascot for a high school foot ball team.  The reference photo I used is below. I chose this photo because I wanted the get the strong dimensions of the hippos face, while still having a fierce, strong look to it. 

I used the reference photo above to create a rough sketch of the hippos facial structure. I began by using only two point lines to sketch the face so that I get smooth curves. I then reflected the face over to create a symmetrical design.

From the sketch I created, I found shapes within the face that I could piece out to create thick outlines for the hippos face. My first rough was too soft in expression so I decided to give him a more curvy "eyebrow" to look tougher. I really wanted to accentuate the hippos muscular face which is why I chose to create curves that flowed together as well as using the figure ground relationship to get consistent spacing in the background to maintain a structured, muscular tonality. 

Once I was happy with my shape, I added color, shadows, and highlights within the piece, maintaining the same spacing I used when creating the shape. I chose to add a pointed  pupil to the hippos eyes so that it would match the same pointed lines in the figure. Pointed eyes are also associated with snakes and alligators so its eyes also reiterates its sense of danger and strength. 

I chose the font "Screamreal" because it was thick and curvy.  I added some highlights to the lettering to give it more dimension and tried to mimic the yellow of the eye and how it highlights the hippo's face. For the overall shape, I made palm trees because hippos are also from the jungle and I built the palm trees around a circle to encase the hippo in so it looks as if its a king coming out of its arched palace.

When I was satisfied with my design I created different color variations to see what colors would accentuate the designs itself. 

Below is the completed logo. I chose this color scheme because I think it looked very natural but still had a sense of drama since the color scheme was complementary.

I chose a more cool green because I wanted the trees to contrast the red of the hippo. I chose a deep red that represents blood and a warning sign because hippos are very territorial and will shed blood if anyone approaches it. I chose a yellow for the eyes and highlights to add dimension to the hippo and lettering, adding more contrast in comparison to the muted reds and greens.

Below are possible applications of the finished logo