Random Logo Redesign: Retro Mascot Logo for Drawing Board Tattoo in Asheville

When it comes to design challenges, I love putting creativity to the test, so I started a new series where I let chance decide my next project. First, I asked ChatGPT to pick a random U.S. city. The result? Asheville, North Carolina. Next, I asked it to pick a random business in that city, and that’s how I discovered Drawing Board Tattoo — a women-owned tattoo shop with an incredible vibe.

The existing logo

Their shop name instantly sparked ideas. I really wanted to try my hand at a retro mascot logo redesign. The phrase “back to the drawing board” comes from a classic 1940s cartoon, and I couldn’t resist using that as inspiration. That’s how the fedora came into play for the mascot — a nod to the vintage cartoon roots.

The original cartoon

For the redesign, I wanted to create a retro mascot logo that could bring personality to the brand while connecting back to tattoo culture. I hand-drew every element of the character: bold outlines, playful rubber-hose cartoon styling, and tattoos inspired directly by designs featured on the shop’s Instagram and website. The result feels fun, timeless, and rooted in their identity as artists.

Typography was also key to this redesign. I paired a bold, chunky retro display font with a more feminine, script-inspired typeface — echoing both the strength and artistry of tattoo culture while keeping the overall look approachable and stylish.

My design

The final logo brings together all of these details:

• Retro mascot character with tattoos and fedora

• Hand-drawn illustration for bold personality

• Typeface pairing that balances playful vintage vibes with tattoo-inspired flair

• A nod to history by referencing the original “back to the drawing board” cartoon

  
  

This was such a fun creative exercise — not because the shop needed a redesign, but because it’s exciting to explore how design choices can reflect a brand’s story in new ways.

Would you like to see me take on more random vintage mascot logo redesigns? Let me know in the comments!

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I’m Britt — a freelance designer helping small businesses build beautiful, thoughtful brands that reflect who they are. If you're dreaming of a fresh look for your business — whether you’re just opening your doors or rebranding after years in business, I’d love to chat. From custom logos to full-service brand identity design, I help small businesses build brands that reflect what makes them different (and totally unforgettable). Reach out to start your own branding project.