No matter how many new emoji updates come out, there’s always something missing from the library of images. We finally got more options for people of color, but even that update had some weird gaps (why are the detective and the two girls holding hands exempt from the skin color options?). At least we have a hot dog emoji now. That was crucial. But where’s the Chicago dog option? Okay, so maybe people are getting a little too demanding with emoji requests, but that’s why there’s an official system in place for proposing new emoji. Have an idea for a new entry? You just have to report to the emoji overlords, otherwise known as the Unicode Consortium. Mashable has a rundown for how the intricate world of emoji creation works, so get your pitches ready. The world definitely needs that pug emoji you’ve been ranting about. But be warned: It won’t be easy to get approved.
While emoji petitions have recently been circulating for indigenous flags, redheads, and dumplings, the petition route isn’t really the way to go. According to the Mashable breakdown, the process for submitting a new emoji is only slightly less time-consuming than applying for college. In ordered to be considered by the all-powerful consortium, you must address a series of selection factors in your proposal, including expected usage level and compatibility of the emoji in question. You have to provide evidence supporting your claims for how frequently the emoji will be used and explain any potential for multiple uses. Many emoji, for example, have a literal meaning and a metaphorical one. So maybe it’s finally time to put that friend who won’t stop talking about semiotics at parties to use. The pug emoji denotes a literal pug dog, but it connotes a warm and fuzzy feeling. Boom! We instantly have a multi-usage emoji on our hands. Put it forth to the consortium. Mashable also notes that the consortium is not interested in overly specific emoji, so that Chicago dog idea is probably worthless. And yet there are like 75 emoji to signify “train”? All right.
Delve deeper into the emoji submission and creation process here.