Capybaras vs Pelicans board game box resting on a rock alongside crochet capybara plushies.

Capybaras vs Pelicans

Capybaras vs Pelicans is a lighthearted board game for 2‑5 players created by Jim Rippon, Merinda Lyne, and myself, and published by Disco What. The aim of the project was to develop a game that's easy to learn, quick to play, and fun for many ages.

Inspired by viral videos of pelicans attempting to eat capybaras (good luck!) the look and feel of the game needed to match this playful 'rivalry'. Being involved in the project from its conception meant I could create visual assets that responded to the evolving game design.

An important requirement of the project was to incorporate universal design principles with a cohesive look that didn't rely on colour or symbols alone. This direction informed every aspect of the design - from the card layout, to the rule booklet. It also guided the approach to the motion graphics created for social media, Kickstarter, and both the how‑to‑play and campaign videos.

The successfully funded Kickstarter saw hundreds of games being sent to 13 different countries. Disco What now sells copies of Capybaras vs Pelicans on their online store, and is in the process of creating an expansion pack for the game.

Capybaras vs Pelicans website

Capybaras vs Pelicans wordmark.
Instagram ad for Capybaras vs Pelicans on a mobile phone.
Several Capybaras vs Pelicans playing cards in a grid.
How to play video on a laptop.
Four capybaras framed with bright backgrounds.
Poster with several capybaras facing off many pelicans.
Grid of capybara, pelican, and hot spring artworks.
Capybaras vs Pelicans lockup.
Capybaras vs Pelicans Kickstarter campaign on a laptop.
Back of a Capybaras vs Pelicans playing card.
Capybaras vs Pelicans wordmark.
Poster with several capybaras facing off many pelicans.
Grid of capybara, pelican, and hot spring artworks.
Instagram ad for Capybaras vs Pelicans on a mobile phone.
Capybaras vs Pelicans lockup.
Several Capybaras vs Pelicans playing cards in a grid.
How to play video on a laptop.
Capybaras vs Pelicans Kickstarter campaign on a laptop.
Four capybaras framed with bright backgrounds.
Back of a Capybaras vs Pelicans playing card.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples - the traditional custodians of the land I design and live on. Indigenous Australians have been creating art and continuing their connections to land, water, and community for over 65,000 years. Always was, always will be.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples - the traditional custodians of the land I design and live on. Indigenous Australians have been creating art and continuing their connections to land, water, and community for over 65,000 years. Always was, always will be.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples - the traditional custodians of the land I design and live on. Indigenous Australians have been creating art and continuing their connections to land, water, and community for over 65,000 years. Always was, always will be.