Making Guide

Seasonal Emoticon Deadline — Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year Countdown

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Seasonal Emoticon Deadline — Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year Countdown

A Santa-hat character is only useful around Christmas, and a Lunar New Year pack only around the holiday. Submit too late and the pack opens after the season. This guide counts back submission deadlines for each season using the usual 2–4 week review.

Christmas Emoticons — Early November or Not at All

Counting back from December 25 with the usual 2–4 week review and the recommended 4–6 weeks of lead time for season packs, submit Christmas packs in early November; mid-November is the practical cutoff.

  • Submit early November → approve mid-Nov → full Dec sales.
  • Submit mid-Nov → approve late Nov → half the season.
  • Submit Dec → too late.

New Year Emoticons — December Submission Window

A New Year greeting pack is only used if it opens before January 1. Counting back the same way, aim to submit in early December. Leave the year number out so the pack also works next year and at Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year Emoticons — Early January Submit

Lunar New Year packs are used most in the days of greetings before the holiday. Aim to submit in early January, and check the calendar first, since the date changes every year.

Seasonal Asset Strategy — Not Every Frame Needs Season Element

Mistake: all 24 frames dripping in Christmas/New Year flavor → useless after Jan 2.

  • Half (12 frames): timeless — base emotions, neutral background.
  • Half (12 frames): seasonal only — Santa gear, holiday props, ornaments, Lunar attire.

Seasonal Props and Backdrops — What Works

  • Christmas — Santa hat, reindeer antlers, lights, snow, wrapped gifts, Christmas tree. Character-as-Santa > floating props.
  • New Year — fireworks, gold accents, fresh clean backgrounds, sunrise. Avoid "2027" numerals (next year old news).
  • Lunar New Year — hanbok (traditional dress), lucky money, rice cakes, brass candlesticks, red gold colors. Timeless cultural nod beats dated calendar.

Multi-Platform Seasonal Play

KakaoTalk + OGQ both in same season = doubled exposure. Stagger submissions: one in early November (Christmas to KakaoTalk), one mid-Nov (Christmas to OGQ, if needed). Sync deadlines and hit the same window.

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