Creating the Right Logo on Flags

When creating custom flags, the signature emblems on the center of the proposed design often end up being the most important parts. They help define what the person or place the flag represents is like. As such, it can be difficult for designers to settle upon one consistent logo that will satisfy most viewers. There is so much thought and care that goes into the process even if it seems simplistic for some. You might be able to make it easier if you were to ask yourself the following questions while finalizing your sketches.

How Simplistic Is It?

Flags can speak a universal visual language. You don’t have to say words, you just show someone an image and see if they think of what you are trying to represent as one of their first guesses. Because of this, you don’t want to select a symbol that is too complicated in terms of size and structure. It could make the whole flag look hideous and doesn’t do much except complicate a fist-time viewer.

Less is more. If someone does not know what the logo on the flag is, then they definitely won’t be able to tell if it is shaped weird or that there is more of them around the center than there should be.

How Closely Does It Symbolize the Target?

Animals tend to be one of the most popular subjects used for flag icons. Older cultures viewed them under certain ways, so featuring the animal may work if they are trying to represent a certain or feeling whatever the flag represents is supposed to emulate. For example, lions are some of the most frequent animals used because many people see them as animals of courage and pride. Some animal choices could also be based on what wildlife is popular in the area. It may look a little jarring if a Midwest state had a cheetah as a logo given that they do not live in a cheetah’s natural habitat, and their calmer attitudes don’t seem to match.

At the same time, landmarks are often used to great effect in custom flags. Certain areas become well-known for their popular sites, so their respective flags show enough pride to feature these iconic locations on the flags themselves. Like with animals, you could also pick a plant synonymous with the area. This could be like featuring a pine tree in the northern states and palm trees in more tropical areas. Simple choices like these invoke what these places the flags are supposed to represent quickly and efficiently.