<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=3248926035247507&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to main content
Oct 13th: Professional Development Day. No classes; some services closed.
Current Students New Students Employees Donate Student Portal Login
    Translations

    Outpace the Panther

    Oakland City College Panther Design Challenge

    Think you can design an even better mascot? Show us.

    Laney and Merritt colleges are coming together to become Oakland City College on July 1, 2027, and we're inviting students, artists, designers, and members of the public to help shape our new identity.

    The panther, Merritt College's current mascot, was selected through a survey to represent our unified college. Our district graphic designer has already created an impressive Panther design, but we think Oakland's creative community might have something even better in mind. →

    Black & White
    Outpace The Panther- White@2x

    The challenge: Create an original panther mascot that captures Oakland's strength, creativity, and community spirit.

    The prize: $1,000 from the Peralta Foundation, plus the opportunity to become part of Oakland City College history!

    The winning design will be adopted as the college's official panther mascot. Imagine seeing your artwork on college apparel, athletic uniforms, campus signs, and promotional materials for years to come. It's a chance to earn recognition, strengthen your professional portfolio, and leave your creative mark on Oakland.

    Submission Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 5:00pm

    The Creative Challenge

    We're looking for a panther that students, employees, alumni, and our Oakland community will be proud to wear, share, and cheer for.

    Your design should:

    • Feature a panther with a memorable, recognizable look.
    • Express confidence, energy, and school pride.
    • Work on everything from a phone screen to a T-shirt, campus sign, or athletic uniform.
    • Remain clear in both full color and a single color.
    • Use the official Oakland City College color palette.

    Official Color Palette

    COLORS

    TOWN INK : #081121

    GOLDEN HILLS: #d59f0f

    LAKESIDE: # 0C2340

    Neutrals

    DECO: #F2E9DB

    PAPER: #FBF7EF 

    The Panther to Beat

    Our district graphic designer has set the bar with the panther design below. Now it's your turn to outpace it!

    Black & White

    Your submission must be an original design. The existing panther is provided for inspiration and comparison only. It may not be traced, modified, or used as the basis for your entry.

    What to Submit

    Please prepare the following before completing the submission form:

    1. One original panther mascot design.
    2. A full-color version and a one-color version.
    3. PNG files with transparent backgrounds, at least 2,000 pixels on the longest side.
    4. A brief description (150 words maximum) explaining your design concept and its connection to Oakland City College.
    5. Your name and email address.

    Vector files (SVG, EPS, or AI) are encouraged. The selected designer agrees to provide an editable source file and collaborate on refinements with our graphic designer for college use.

    Submit the artwork by itself, without product mockups or decorative backgrounds.

    Original Artwork Only

    We welcome traditional drawing and digital illustration created using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, Corel, or Fresco.

    All submissions must be the entrant's original work. Generative AI tools may not be used to generate, create, substantially modify, or complete any part of the design. Entries containing AI-generated imagery will be disqualified.

    How Designs Will Be Evaluated

    Submissions will be reviewed based on originality, strength of concept, connection to Oakland City College and the Oakland community, visual impact, and versatility across print, digital, apparel, and signage.

    Ready to Outpace the Panther?

    Submission Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 5:00pm