Nam Center for Korean Studies Mascot Design Contest

📣 Announcing the Nam Center for Korean Studies Mascot Contest! 📣

Are you creative, passionate about Korean culture, or someone who loves bringing people together? Help us design the Nam Center’s very first mascot! We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to submit ideas that celebrate Korea’s vibrant spirit and culture, as well as the mission of the Nam Center.

How to Enter:
Anyone regardless of their affiliation and age can enter the contest! Submit your original mascot design (sketch, painting, or digital art), along with a brief description of your mascot’s personality and meaning [ https://myumi.ch/4mEjZ].

Deadline for Entries: December 10, 11:59 PM (EST), 2025

Winner Announcement: Winners will be officially announced on December 21 on our Facebook page and notified via email.

Prizes:
🥇 First Place: Your design will become the official Nam Center mascot! You’ll receive either a custom 6-inch plush keychain or a larger plush (based on your design), along with a $250 gift card.
🥈 Second Place: Honorable mention, Nam Center tote bag, and a $100 gift card.
🥉 Third Place: Recognition, Nam Center tote bag, and a $50 gift card.
Prizes will be mailed to you.

⭐ Rules & Submission ⭐
- Submit one mascot character drawing (.jpg or .png file / maximum file size 20 MB)
- Your design should be truly original and represent the vibrant Nam Center for Korean Studies.
- Each entrant can submit only one design.
- Your creation must be entirely your own—and exclusively yours!
- Designs must not have been previously published.
- No existing logos, brands, or unauthorized third-party images.
- You may add a creative emblem with “Nam Center,” “Nam Center for Korean Studies,” or “NCKS” to your design! It could be featured in future Nam Center promos.
- A caption giving your mascot a name and a personality—tell us what inspired your design!
- By entering, you’ll confirm that you’ve read and agree to the terms outlined on the contest page.

🏆 Winner Selection 🏆
After the deadline, a panel of judges from the Nam Center and the U-M International Institute will review your brilliant entries! They’ll be looking for:
- Outstanding originality and creativity
- A compelling connection to the Nam Center’s culture and mission
- Clarity and quality in the design
- Overall impact

Conditions:
- Winners will be contacted by email and need to reply within 7 business days. If we don’t hear back, another winner may be chosen.
- Judges may request minor tweaks for the winning design. You’ll have 10 days to review and approve any changes.
- If we don’t receive enough high-quality entries, we may extend the deadline or decide not to select a winner.

Unleash your creativity and show us the heart of the Nam Center! Good luck and have fun! ⭐

For questions, please contact outreachkorea@umich.edu.