Start designing your flag by following some essential hints and tips.
1: Keep it simple
- the flag should be simple enough for a child to draw from memory
2: Use meaningful symbolism
- use elements, colours and patterns that relate to what the flag symbolises
3: Use two or three basic colours
- choose from the standard colour set
- red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, purple, black and white
- choose colours that contrast well
- yellow and white work well on any other colour and vice versa
4: Avoid lettering, badges, seals or coats of arms
- instead use element(s) from a relevant coat of arms as symbols on the flag
5: Be distinctive or be related
- don’t duplicate other flags BUT do use similarities to show connections
6: Consider the effects of height and wind
- remember the design must remain visible when flying
- from a high pole
- in high winds, in a breeze and in still conditions
7: Get more detailed guidance
- find more hints and tips in The Guiding Principles of Flag Design (Flag Institute/NAVA, 2014)
- free to view or download in PDF here
