Calling All Designers! Showcase Your Creativity by Creating the Wapuu for WordCamp Kolhapur 2025

Attention, designers and hobbyists! 📌

It’s time to unleash your creativity and design the official Wapuu for WordCamp Kolhapur 2025!

We’re looking for a Wapuu that not only represents the spirit of Kolhapur but also adds a dash of fun, culture, and WordPress magic.

What’s a Wapuu, You Ask?

For the uninitiated, Wapuu is WordPress’ beloved mascot – a cute little creature that can take on all sorts of themes, costumes, and personalities based on the location and vibe of the WordCamp.

Wapuu has been a staple of WordCamps worldwide since the first one was designed in 2011 by Kazuko Kaneuchi in Japan. Curious about Wapuu’s origin? Check out the history of Wapuu here.

What Makes Kolhapur Special?

Kolhapur is a city that bursts with culture, history, and flavor (seriously, have you tried the Kolhapuri cuisine?). Here are a few iconic Kolhapur elements you can play with for inspiration (note: these are just suggestions, you have complete creative liberty!):

• Female Wapuu in Kolhapuri Attire: Picture a female Wapuu elegantly dressed in traditional Kolhapuri attire – a beautifully draped Nauvari saree, sparkling Kolhapuri Saaj necklace, and of course, a pair of classic Kolhapuri chappals. She’s ready to celebrate WordCamp in style, representing both tradition and tech.
• Kolhapuri Chappal: Nothing screams “Kolhapur” more than the world-famous handcrafted Kolhapuri chappal. Imagine a stylish Wapuu rocking this footwear – it’s both comfy and chic.
• The Royal Touch: Kolhapur has a rich royal history, being home to the magnificent New Palace. What about a Wapuu dressed like a mini-maharaja, crown and all?
• Spicy Foodie Wapuu: Kolhapur is known for its fiery cuisine. Maybe Wapuu is munching on some Kolhapuri Tambda and Pandhra Rassa (the city’s famous red and white curries) or cooling off with a glass of Taak (buttermilk)? Yum!
• Kolhapuri Pheta: Don’t forget the Pheta – Kolhapur’s traditional turban. A Wapuu sporting a bold, colorful petha would certainly stand out.

Why Should You Enter?

Designing the Wapuu for WordCamp Kolhapur 2025 isn’t just a creative challenge – it’s your chance to put your stamp on a historic event.

WordCamps around the world are remembered by their Wapuus, and this one could be your masterpiece. Your design will be featured on swag (stickers, shirts, badges – you name it!) and admired by WordPress lovers everywhere.

Plus –

• 1 regular ticket to attend WordCamp Kolhapur 2025. This includes access to the contributor day/workshop on 11 January and to the main conference day on 12 January 2025.
• Additional set of swags for your collection on which we’ve printed your Wapuu.
• We’ll mention you in the Wapuu announcement blog post on the website and all our social media posts
• You’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped bring Kolhapur’s unique charm to the global WordPress community.

How to Get Started?

Wapuu design guidelines aren’t very strict but eyes, nose, and mouth are distinctive areas in Wapuus. Please ensure your design follows these general design guidelines.

• Refer to these websites for inspiration: https://wapu.us/wapuus/ and https://wapuu.jp/
• Get playful with the cultural elements, but also make sure your Wapuu stays true to the WordPress brand.
• Your design should capture the essence of Kolhapur while being totally different from any other Wapuus.
• WordPress is all about community and fun, so make your Wapuu as adorable, quirky, and loveable as possible.

Design Resources and original design can be found here.

Contest Rules:

• Entries will only be accepted through the form here.
• The contest is not restricted to Kolhapur residents.
• The last date of entry is 10 November 2024.
• Winner would be required to share original source AI/PSD/CDR files of the design (and you might be required to tweak the design if needed for our print needs)
• The design(s) will be published under GNU General Public License v2 or later. It’s the same as WordPress software.
• Please do not use any copyrighted content in your design(s)

How to Submit Your Design?

Ready to get those creative juices flowing? Great! Submit your Wapuu design by filling out this form and uploading your masterpiece. The winning Wapuu will be revealed as the official mascot of WordCamp Kolhapur 2025.

Ready, Set, Design!

We can’t wait to see what incredible designs you come up with.

Jai WordPress! 🙌