Homepage artwork ushers in Lunar New Year with Fire Horse theme
The homepage illustration for a leading search service has been updated to celebrate the Lunar New Year, centering on the Year of the Fire Horse. The artwork emphasizes traits long associated with this zodiac sign—energy, independence and a push to pursue bold goals—while the team behind the image highlights the continuity and spontaneity of a decades-long visual tradition.
What the Fire Horse symbolizes
The featured design focuses on the Fire Horse, a zodiac combination that appears only once every 60 years and is widely viewed as emblematic of fierce drive and independence. The illustration carries an upbeat message for people observing the holiday: the year ahead is framed as one of passion, momentum and encouragement to chase meaningful ambitions. For many communities that observe Lunar New Year, themes of renewal and forward motion are central, and this portrayal leans into that energy by pairing dynamic imagery with celebratory motifs.
The artwork and the team behind it
The creative team responsible for the homepage illustration described the piece as part of an ongoing series of topical artworks that appear around the world. The group uses a mix of quick-turn sketches and longer-term projects: some pieces take years to develop, while others are composed and released within hours. The artists who produce these works are known internally by a distinct title that reflects their role, and the team's roster has included winners from a student contest that helped launch several into professional creative careers.
The team's history stretches back to an early era when the first decorative homepage mark began as an informal out-of-office note from company founders. Since then, the practice has evolved to include animated pieces and same-day creations tied to breaking discoveries. One recurring character has become a frequent presence in these designs, affectionately named after a real-life team pet.
A long-running visual tradition
Hundreds of such artworks are released globally each year, and it is common for multiple versions to appear simultaneously in different regions. The rollout for each piece varies: some are planned seasonal tributes while others respond to unanticipated events. The ensemble of creators maintains a balance between celebration and experimentation, keeping the visual program fresh while tying new pieces to familiar rituals.
For the Lunar New Year installment, the team offered a succinct greeting to those celebrating and emphasized the narrative thread they hoped to convey: a message of encouragement for a year characterized by boldness and forward motion. With the Fire Horse motif front and center, the animation and illustration choices underline a cultural moment that blends tradition with contemporary creative expression.
The update arrives as communities around the world mark the holiday with gatherings, lanterns, and other customary observances. Whether viewed on a homepage or in neighborhood festivities, the Fire Horse artwork is designed to amplify the season’s optimism—an invitation to harness its energy and pursue ambitions with renewed conviction.
