diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78fba65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+## Contributing
+
+Thanks for your interest in Vessel.
+
+- Issues and pull requests are handled on GitHub:
+  https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel
+
+- Keep changes focused and small.
+- UI and UX improvements are welcome.
+- Vessel intentionally avoids becoming a platform.
+
+If you’re unsure whether something fits, open an issue first.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8f82e0d..ca5a94a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -370,6 +370,9 @@ All requests to `/ollama/*` are proxied to the Ollama API, enabling CORS.
 
 Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
 
+> Issues and feature requests are tracked on GitHub:
+> https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel/issues
+
 1. Fork the repository
 2. Create your feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`)
 3. Commit your changes (`git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature'`)