Hattiethehedehog — Xanthe Kakaras

Live at the XK Intersection

Field Notes

Four ways I look at the world. Tap a circle.

EExperienceWhere you can find me

Yes, I'm a mermaid (see About). You'll always find me near water. Underwater is a whole other life, and it's my safe place.

CCreativityWhat inspires me

I'm always somewhere new, and my friends and family have stopped being surprised by where I turn up. You'll find me with a camera or on a walk, taking photos that challenge how I see the world and teach me to really look.

PPerspectiveWhat shifts my mindset

I've set a goal to meet at least one new person every week. Every person is a window onto how someone else sees the world, and you never know what you'll learn.

UUniverseCulture fun fact

In Paris I ate only steak tartare, escargot and frog legs for three days straight, every meal, to find the best one.

Status
Currently based
in New York, NY

Work
About
Journey
Side Tracks
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Xanthe Kakaras
Art Direction + Design

Hattie the Hedehog
Character Branding Experience

No hedge too high, or path too prickly.

Overview
Hattie the Hedgehog is a British children’s character brand that uses storytelling and adventure to encourage kindness, community, and care for the natural world.

Across the UK, children are spending more time on technology and less time outdoors while environmental challenges such as habitat loss continue to grow. Hedgehogs, one of Britain's most loved animals, are now endangered—highlighting the need for stories that reconnect children with nature and environmental responsibility.

Inspired by the cultural impact of Paddington Bear, the project explores how a modern British character could champion environmental awareness. Research across London—including visits to parks, the London Zoo, and places where Paddington is celebrated—helped shape Hattie as a character who travels across the UK protecting nature while bringing communities together.

The project resulted in a character-led brand including storybooks, film posters, merchandise, and educational materials that bring Hattie's world to life and encourage children to care for nature and their communities.

Scope
+ Brand Strategy & Positioning
+ Concept Development
+ Art Direction + Copywriting
+ Advertising +Illustration
+ Character Storytelling

Whilst you’re browsing, give Hattie’s story a listen.

Character Development

Designed with softness and charm, Hattie feels instantly familiar and approachable, inspired by characters like Paddington Bear. Her mood-changing quills bring emotional expression to life, encouraging openness and connection.

Brand Identity & Strategy

Hattie’s brand identity blends warmth, storytelling, and British heritage, using approachable character design to make themes of kindness, community, and environmental care engaging and relatable for children and families.

Hattie’s color palette draws from the iconic outfits of Queen Elizabeth II. The story itself acts as a subtle ode, honoring her legacy through themes of care, unity, and stewardship.

Plaid patterns evoke adventure while referencing UK heritage, symbolizing Scottish clan traditions and, like Hattie’s story, the coming together of community to face challenges.

Brand In Use

Brought to life through books, products, and experiential touchpoints, the brand uses cohesive storytelling and design to immerse audiences in Hattie’s world and values.

Experiential Design & Inspiration

Inspired by time spent walking through Regent’s Park and encountering signage about endangered hedgehogs, the experience grounds the brand in a real-world context. This informed the design of a map, the Royal Oak tea room, and Sprout & Snout Society, translating Hattie’s story into a tangible, place-based experience.