For many visitors and locals, the cheerful face of Scout—Norfolk County’s beloved warbler mascot—has now become synonymous with experiencing everything the region has to offer. The character, originally designed as a simple website widget, has evolved into a full-sized mascot greeting attendees at county events and now, a stuffie that will soon be available for “adoption.” Behind this winged ambassador is Will Welsh, a local artist whose Norfolk roots run as deep as his creative passion.
Small-Town Roots, Big Artistic Dreams
Born and raised in Vanessa, Will Welsh’s artistic journey began at an early age. “It’s hard to remember when it started because it’s always been a part of my life,” Will reflects on his love for drawing and writing. “I’ve been consistently doing it, gradually learning more.”
At age eight, Will began attending weekly workshop-style classes every Sunday at a small art gallery in Brantford, where he joined groups of aspiring artists drawing and working together. This early collaborative environment helped nurture his talents alongside his formal education at Delhi District Secondary School, where he continued to develop his artistic skills through art classes.
When not creating art, Will spent time working on his family’s farm—the Welsh Brothers farm—doing office work during summer months and occasionally helping in the fields or heading to the barn for tasks like packing asparagus. This connection to Norfolk’s agricultural heritage would later influence his artistic perspective.
The Birth of Scout
Scout’s story began during Will’s co-op placement with Norfolk County’s Communications Department while he was still in high school. What started as a small project for the Economic Development team—creating a website “widget” for the Visit Norfolk app—soon transformed into something much more meaningful.
“I was just messing around sketching different ideas,” Will explains. The concept evolved when the idea of creating a bird character was presented. “Once I added the hat and binoculars, I was like, ‘Yes, this is Scout.'”
The character’s authenticity was bolstered by Will’s local knowledge, with an assist from his brother Sam, who provided him with “a big list of animals that lived in the area,” ensuring Scout would be an accurate representation of Norfolk wildlife.
Norfolk’s Influence
Growing up surrounded by Norfolk County’s natural beauty has profoundly shaped Will’s artistic style. “Looking out the window and seeing all the fields and the wildlife has impacted the way I draw forests, fields, and nature,” he notes.
This deep connection to the region’s landscape is evident in Scout’s design and adventures, which showcase the distinctive natural features that make Norfolk County special.
From Co-op to Career Path
Will’s co-op experience with Norfolk County proved transformative for his artistic development. “It really helped me to develop my art and look at it in a new light,” he shares. “It opened new doors and opportunities.”
The experience also provided valuable career insight: “I learned that I could use my art to work in graphic design jobs,” a realization that helped shape his post-secondary education decisions.
Will credits his high school art teacher, Rossilind Lammens, as an important mentor who offered consistent support for his creative pursuits. His time with Norfolk County further confirmed that he could build a career around his artistic talents.
Beyond Scout
Currently pursuing a Fine Arts degree at the University of Waterloo, Will continues to expand his artistic horizons. His passion for comic books remains strong—he “wants to write his own one day,” citing a career as a published comic book author as his dream job.
Will’s creative output isn’t limited to visual arts. He’s also an accomplished pianist who has taken lessons and performed in local recitals, demonstrating his diverse artistic talents.
His comic strip, The A-maize-ing Corn, created to promote his father’s farm, showcases his ability to blend art with practical marketing—skills that were further developed during his work on Scout.
Scout’s Evolution
From its humble beginnings as a website widget, Scout has grown into a beloved county icon. The character now appears as a full-sized mascot at community events in Norfolk County, greeting visitors and locals alike with the same enthusiastic spirit captured in Will’s original drawings.
The latest chapter in Scout’s story is the creation of a small stuffie that will soon be available for “adoption,” supporting local tourism and enhancing visitor experiences throughout the region.
A Creative Journey Continues
Will Welsh’s path demonstrates how local talent can develop into impactful creative work with the right opportunities. What began as a co-op project has grown from initial sketches to Norfolk County’s recognizable mascot, showing the potential of combining artistic skill with community connection.
As Will continues his education and creative exploration, Norfolk County can take pride in both the character he created and the local artist who gave Scout wings.