A produce distributor asked me to create a mascot character that they could use in all of their advertising and packaging. The company's signature product was arugula, a peppery tasting type of lettuce. My research revealed that people who buy produce are mostly women, while people who work in the produce industry are mostly men, so I knew that whatever I came up with would have to succeed with both groups. Therefore, I resisted suggestions that I create a "peppery female" character with Minnie Mouse pumps. Regrettably, the company closed its doors and the project never advanced beyond the sketching stage.