Here’s a task for you! Have a look at your desk, take a shot of your beloved coffee mug, send us the photo, and see if you’re added to the huge poster that we’ll be creating from the best images that we get from all over the world. We’ll prepare an exclusive version in PDF and print a limited-edition poster (20 copies). If your photo is chosen, your name will be printed on the poster, too. In addition, selected photos will be published in an upcoming Smashing Magazine post. Those with the most creative and original submissions will be awarded with one of the exclusive printed wall posters. We won’t be selling it, of course — but you already knew that.

Submission Guidelines

  • The photo must be in JPG format, at a maximum size of 4000 × 3000 pixels. The file size should not exceed 8 MB.
  • Each participant may send one photo at most.
  • Each photo should show only one mug — not two, three or a dozen.
  • Name your photo with your full name (john-peterson.jpg).
  • Please do not send ZIP, RAR or another archive. Just the plain image.
  • You must own the copyright of the photo you are submitting.
  • Submit your photo to the email address mugs@smashingmagazine.com by 15th of October 2011.

Please note that the coffee mugs must be mugs and not cups! This is important for building a coherent, gripping mosaic. The mugs can be empty or filled, even steaming! Feel free to use any camera you prefer: a toy cam, mobile phone, SLR, point-and-shoot — whatever you have on hand. How many mugs can fit on the poster? We don’t know yet, because it will depend on the quality and originality of the photo you submit!

Some Coffee Mug Inspiration

Need some coffee-mug inspiration? Why not browse through Flickr and Google Images:


Image credit: Terry Johnston


Image credit: Adrian Sampson


Image credit: Ginny


Image credit: Terry Johnston


Image credit: Brendan C.


Image credit: Nina Matthews

Deadline and Announcement

Please submit your photo by October 15th at the latest. The qualifying submissions and the winners will be announced a week later. We will showcase the most interesting photos here on Smashing Magazine (and on the big poster, of course), including the names of the contributors.

Please note: your photo will be used only for this event, and you will retain the full rights to it.

Let’s Go!

On your marks. Ready? Set? Go! Send your photo to mugs@smashingmagazine.com! We look forward to your photos, folks!

 —  The Smashing Team

© Smashing Editorial for Smashing Magazine, 2011.