Unmasking the Resolute Raccoon

You’ve almost certainly seen them… In the forest, rummaging through a dumpster, in poorly aging millennial memes. Raccoons are ubiquitous and endlessly entertaining creatures. YouTube and TikTok are full of videos documenting their clever antics and escapades. One such intrepid raccoon gained fame for making their way to the most unlikely places, from liquor stores to karate studios.

Using their human-like paws and highly evolved intelligence, Raccoons have adapted to being excellent problem solvers. Various scientific studies have demonstrated that raccoons are capable of remembering solutions to complex tasks for multiple years. Ask any bird watcher, and they will tell you about the lengths these furry bandits will go to to steal themselves some snacks from their feeders. As humans encroached into their habitats, raccoons were forced to adapt to new urban environments and survive in a rapidly evolving world and, remarkably, they thrived. 

While these curious little mammals aren’t known to use computers (yet) their knack for exploration and tinkering makes them natural members of the open source community. The codename ‘Resolute’, seems rather apt[1] in capturing the creature and community’s shared determination and ability to press on in any circumstance. When you boot up Ubuntu 26.04 here in a few short weeks, don’t forget to embody that indelible raccoon spirit and remember that whatever your pursuit; be creative, be crafty and be resolute. 

With that in mind, it’s our great pleasure to introduce the official wallpapers for Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon.

You can download the official Resolute Raccoon wallpapers in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes here.

Putting paws to paper

Shining a spotlight on the nocturnal can be quite a challenge, but not for our animal artist extraordinaire, Marcus Haslam. Here is what he had to say about the process of crafting the new mascot and their wallpapers: 

“Resolute Raccoon is a mascot designed around resilience and reliability, with a quiet confidence at its core. Resourceful and steady under pressure, it exemplifies a problem-solving mindset — capable of adapting, persisting, and navigating complexity with focus and intent.

“For the mark, I wanted these qualities to be expressed through the structure rather than the facial expression. The character is made from curved segments within a circular framework. The radial structure emphasises system logic, consistency, and control, while establishing a clear flow and rhythm around the edge.

“Variation in line weight introduces a sense of movement without breaking the form. Thicker and lighter segments create a measured pulse, making the graphic feel active yet contained. The shape is constructed methodically, with each segment supporting the overall design.

“The raccoon’s natural contrast guided the choice to work in black and white. Limiting the colours to two tones sharpens the structure and enhances the form’s clarity. The tail, characterised by alternating bands, serves both as a character detail and a graphic device — establishing a visual rhythm that runs through the entire composition.

“The graphic is deliberately minimal and controlled, with movement originating from the surrounding lines rather than the face. The expression is simplified to basic shapes, providing presence without unnecessary elaboration.

“Thanks to this structure, it naturally translates into animation. Segments can be built sequentially, rhythm can direct the motion, and the circle unifies everything.

“Resolute Raccoon remains centred within the circle, balanced and confident.”

And now for something completely different…

A gaze of community artwork

A collection of raccoons is referred to as a gaze and we certainly have plenty of artwork to gaze upon for this LTS. Almost 200 submissions and thousands of votes were cast in putting together a collection of wallpapers appropriate for such an important release. A desktop that will be supported for a decade is deserving of a large library of backgrounds to choose from. We’re very excited to reveal the winners of the Ubuntu Wallpaper Competition:

Mascot Category

Simple Raccoon (Light/Dark) – @cnusr25

Twin brothers – @rubenslp

Raccoon out of Ubuntu Tool Box – @ndoki

Low-poly Raccoon (Light/Dark) – @moskalenko-v

Ask a friend – @osselo

Digital / Abstract Category

Ubuntu Coffee Mug (Light/Dark) – @ezspain

Flying Boxes (Light/Dark) – @endycal

Snowy Ubuntu (Light/Dark) – @moskalenko-v

Anomaly (Ubuntu) – @iryge

Vor – @manuej

Photography Category

Winter Grand Triangle – @mizuno-as

Red Acer – @mendhak

Big Dipper – @mizuno-as

Electric Veins of the Storm – @vale1ntin0omf

Bluebells Suspended in Time – @mendhak

Getting Involved

In the grand tapestry of our Ubuntu realm, the Ubuntu Wallpaper Competition stands as one avenue for you, esteemed allies and artisans, to contribute to our vibrant community.

I invite you to explore the many ways to join our collective endeavor and enrich Ubuntu with your creativity and collaboration.

[1] https://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/jammy/man8/apt.8.html