Designing a custom flag representing your business, organization, military unit, or community can be daunting. There are two main questions you need to consider:
· What do you want to put on the flag?
· How are you going to use the flag?
What do you want to put on the flag?
Since what you put on your flag is one of the most critical decisions in creating your flag, it is a great place to start. Recently, there has been much discussion about how to design a flag as states and cities are redesigning flags they have had for decades. Ted Kaye compiled “Good” Flag, “Bad” Flag, from the expert wisdom of over 20 vexillologists/vexillographers. It is an excellent resource for those wishing to design or redesign a flag. In Kaye’s compilation, he identifies The 5 Basic Principles of Flag Design:
1. Keep It Simple – anyone who sees the flag should be able to remember it easily.
2. Use Meaningful Symbolism – The images, colors, or patterns in. your designs should directly relate to what the flag represents.
3. Use 2–3 Basic – Colors – Use standard colors that contrast nicely.
4. No Lettering or Seals
5. Be Distinctive (or Be Related) – keep your design unique, but you can use similarities to other designs when showing connections.
Following these basic principles will ensure that your flag sends the message you are trying to send to those who see it and will be meaningful to you and other members of your group or organization.
How are you going to use the flag?
You need to decide how you will use the flag to ensure that the finishing and shape are what you need. For example, suppose you will fly the flag on a flagpole. In that case, you should finish it with a heading and grommets, so it easily attaches to the flagpole. You would also want the flag to be single reverse (correct on the front and reverse on the back) so it is light enough to fly.
How you are going to use your custom flag will also impact its size. If you are flying your flag on a flagpole, the height of the flagpole will determine the size you need. If you use the custom flag on a boat or motorcycle, you will want a smaller flag than you need on a 30′ flagpole or for use in a parade.
If the flag is going to be flying on a flagpole, you want the material to be light enough for it to flow in the wind while still strong enough to withstand the weather. If you are using the flag on a wall or in a frame, you want a more opaque material so the design is more vibrant.
Today, the flag industry uses a few different digital printing processes to make flags. Some of these processes print at a high resolution but do not allow images to show on the back of the flag. In contrast, others have slightly lower resolutions but penetrate the back of the flag. Which printing process you use will depend on your needs and uses for your custom flag.
As you can tell, many decisions exist regarding creating a custom flag. At A Stars & Stripes Flag Corporation, we are experts in helping you decide on the best option for creating a meaningful and high-quality flag. We are here to help make your flag design a reality.