Debian Linux Wants Your Art for Millions to See

Your doodles could soon greet millions of people every time they turn on their computers.

Debian Linux, one of the world's most popular operating systems, just opened submissions for community artwork ahead of its next release, nicknamed Forky. The winning design will appear on boot screens, login prompts, and desktop wallpapers used by people around the globe.

The submission deadline is November 26, giving artists just a few weeks to craft their vision. Anyone can enter, regardless of experience level or location.

Debian has been crowdsourcing its visual identity for years, staying true to its community-driven roots. Artist Elise Couper won the last round with her "Ceratopsian" theme, a playful nod to the triceratops character Trixie from Toy Story 3. Her design now welcomes users every day on Debian 13.

The project team asks for designs that feel distinctly "Debian" and won't grow tiresome over time. They want clean, timeless artwork that integrates smoothly without requiring technical patches.

For Forky, the theme takes its name from the spork character introduced in Toy Story 4. Artists brave enough to incorporate googly eyes into their submissions might just create something unforgettable.

Debian celebrated its 33rd anniversary in August and powers computers across different hardware types worldwide. The project calls itself the "universal operating system" because it runs on everything from laptops to servers to specialized equipment.

The Ripple Effect

This open call does more than just decorate software. It gives everyday artists a global stage and reminds us that technology can be a canvas for creativity, not just code.

By inviting community participation, Debian shows that the digital tools millions depend on can reflect diverse voices and visions. One person's artwork will brighten the daily routine of users across continents, turning a technical necessity into a moment of beauty.

The full submission guidelines are available on the Debian Wiki. Whether you're a professional designer or just love to create, your work could become part of computing history.

Your googly-eyed masterpiece awaits.