Something unique| Create a Mascot

Create a Mascot

The world is full of scientific information that can help us make informed decisions and take action. However, that information is not always accessible to young learners. Your challenge is to create a mascot that can help make learning about Earth and space science more fun and welcoming for younger audiences.

Luna the Space explorer

Summary

Luna is a mascot of a young female explorer in space. Her hair is based on the the multitude of colours apparent in galaxy photos. She was designed to promote the qualities of curiosity and facilitate the exploration of astronomy among children, especially young girls.

How I Addressed This Challenge

Although more common in modern day society, the presence of women in STEM is still relatively few. By creating Luna, I hope to be able to inspire and encourage the involvement of women in scientific and technology related fields; to abolish past and current standards for a future where a a woman`s prospects are not a limited scope.

The effects of the judgement and expectations in society are not sudden. In extreme cases, it may act as a direct deterrent and opposition, but more often than not, they become unconsciously embedded in our minds as a restricted guideline for our behavior and interests. For women, this means that many have not even considered entering the STEM field, as they were never made aware of its opportunity. However, by introducing a strong figure of themselves early on in life, young girls would be introduced to the true pathways they can take, and hopefully eventually, normalize the idea of women in STEM.

How I Developed This Project

I love art, and have always been interested in entering the STEM field. The Mascot design challenge provided a perfect opportunity where both my passions are combined into one! I already had a message in mind, empowering women, as I started the project so the character of the mascot was fairly quickly decided: A young women as a representative of its intended audience. Most of my difficulties arose from the drawing process itself. I usually draw traditionally, and have only very recently started digital drawing. Due to the time taken to familiarize and learn the digital drawing tools, the progress was very slow. However, I feel that despite these challenges, the results (both the drawing and the learning process) were very rewarding.


Tools: Huion HS610, Clip Studio Ex

How I Used Space Agency Data in This Project

Luna`s colour schemes are largely inspired by NASA`s astronomy photos. The slides in the demo also feature photos from NASA articles(space toilet on ISS, Hubble space telescope) as sample info graphic formats.

Project Demo

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fvnbdRIQRDytl-BTD0mXv9IuPJzeRmJQxWS0MULU2AA/edit?usp=sharing

Data & Resources

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap200904.html

https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/hubble-space-telescope-science-instruments

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/boldly-go-nasa-s-new-space-toilet-offers-more-comfort-improved-efficiency-for-deep-space

Judging
This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.