7C: Flag Redesign Activity

FUN FACT: There is a word for the study of flags. It is called “Vexillology.”

In preparation for your Infographics project, it will be helpful to study symbolism and flag design is a perfect place to start. To create a great flag, think of something that is simple enough for a child to draw. International Federation of Vexillological Associations asked you to redesign a city/state flag of your choice. Each of the design elements and colors in your flag should represent a key element of the group it represents.

Preparation

GOOGLE IT: 50 State Flags Ranked, Best and Worst City Flags
Five Principles of Flag Design: 1. Keep it simple; 2. Use meaningful symbolism; 3. Use two to three basic colors.; 4. No lettering or seals.; 5. And be distinctive.

Worst Flags

Best Flags

Instructions

1. WATCH THE TED TALK VIDEO BELOW

Roman Mars is obsessed with flags — and after you watch this talk, you might be, too. These ubiquitous symbols of civic pride are often designed, well, pretty terribly. But they don’t have to be. In this surprising and hilarious talk about vexillology — the study of flags — Mars reveals the five basic principles of flag design and shows why he believes they can be applied to just about anything.

2. CHOOSE A FLAG TO REDESIGN

Choose a city or state flag that is poorly design.

3. RESEARCH SYMBOLISM

Research the city or state and discover what is unique and special about the location. Then, make a word list with words that can symbolize the area. For example: A couple of words that relate to the state of Idaho are gem (Idaho – the gem state) and potatoes (Idaho – famous potatoes). Determine colors and shapes to represent the most important facts about the city or state.

4. TRANSFER YOUR IDEA INTO SKETCHES

Make at least 5 sketches of your idea. Simplify items in your word list into simple shapes. Keep in mind the principles you’ve learned from the Ted Talks video you’ve just watched as well as the principles from The Non-Designer’s Design Book.

5. ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Watch some videos below about Adobe Illustrator. Then create a Illustrator document of 1493 pixels w x 879 pixels (U.S. Flag ratio). Go to File > New… Next, change the Units drop down menu from Inches to Pixels. Then, put in the dimension: Width: 1493 pixels; Height: 879 pixels.

6. CREATE YOUR DESIGN IN ILLUSTRATOR

Make sure every single design decision you make is intentional and symbolizes something related to the city/state (color choice, shapes, lines, etc.).

7. SAVE FOR WEB

Go to File > Save for Web. Make sure these options are selected: Preset name: “JPEG High” (JPEG, High, Quality: 60%); Progressive: checked; Change Image Width to 1024px. Then, hit Save and rename the JPEG file with the project name and your First and Last Name. Example: 7CJakeSpencer.jpg

8. SUBMIT

Go to 7C Submission and upload your JPEG file. In the comments, include a paragraph of at least five sentences about how you justify the symbolism (colors, shapes, background) of your flag design. Example: Why did you choose these colors and shapes? How does each element symbolize the city or state?