Illustrator Needed to Create Cartoon Mascot Character - Panda Concrete

We are Panda Concrete, a new concrete company based in Chicago, IL, seeking a skilled illustrator or character designer to create a cartoon panda mascot for our brand. Our goal is to have a unique, memorable character that communicates both the strength and reliability of construction with a friendly, approachable style for homeowners. The panda mascot should stand out across logos, uniforms, trucks, and digital platforms. We are looking for a modern, bold, and fun illustration with clean lines, a construction worker vibe (possibly featuring items like a yellow hard hat or tools), and versatility for use in both color and black-and-white applications. The deliverables should include a full-color design, a simplified black-and-white version, and potentially additional character poses or expressions, all provided in high-resolution vector formats (AI, EPS, or SVG). Ideally, we would like initial sketches within 1–2 weeks and the final deliverables in 2–4 weeks, but the timeline is flexible. Candidates should have a portfolio of character or mascot design, be skilled in branding-focused illustration, and be comfortable with feedback and revisions.

Budget range:
Very small project ($250 – 750 USD)

Examples:
This is our current logo. Looking for an upgraded Panda than what we have.

Who are you, and what do you do?
We are a construction company that pours concrete slabs, patios, driveways & stairs.

In what capacity are you hiring?
For my company

Where are you in the hiring process?
I’m ready to make a paid hire

What type of work is this?
Single job with potential follow up work

What experience level is needed?:
Expert