Bluestem is a children's mascot designed for the Kansas Horse Council. Tasked with creating a blue horse inspired by the animation style of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, I set out to develop a friendly, approachable character that celebrates Kansas identity through color, posture, and symbolism.
The brief called for a blue horse with a Kansas-themed “cutie mark,” styled similarly to the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. The character needed to be kid-friendly, expressive, and instantly recognizable in a variety of formats.
Bluestem is designed to connect with kids and families through events, educational materials, and public-facing campaigns. The character serves as a friendly ambassador for Kansas’ horse culture and prairie heritage, promoting both community and curiosity.
As part of the Kansas Horse Council kids' mascot project, I created a set of paper dolls featuring Bluestem. These cutouts are designed to encourage imaginative play and help children connect with Bluestem in a fun, interactive way. Inspired by traditional paper dolls, this set brings Bluestem’s personality to life with multiple poses and accessories.
