Have you ever seen Birmingham's flag? If you haven't, it's ok! Not many people could describe it. We don't see it many places around town. Why? It was designed a long time ago- maybe it needs an update! The study of flags is called Vexillology. Try saying that three times fast!
So go ahead and study our flag. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Does this flag represent Birmingham today? What does the city of Birmingham mean to you? Did you know that there are actually guidelines and principles about flag design? How does our flag stack up? 1) Keep it simple: The flag should be so simple that a child could draw it from memory. 2) Use meaningful symbolism: The flag's images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes. Symbolism is when images and patterns represent something else- an idea or quality. For instance red may resemble strength. 3) Use 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to 3, which contrast well and are from the standard color set. 4) No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal. 5) Be distinctive or be related: Avoid duplicating other flags but use similarities to show connections. And there you have it! The principles of flag design. Flags are always the same dimensions. They are rectangles. So now there's math involved! Geometry in fact. The dimensions of a flag are 3:5. That number represents a ratio. In a rectangle, the width is 3 and the length is 5, or any dimensions of the same proportion, such as 6 inches and 10 inches. Like fractions, if you multiply the 3 by 2, you will also have to multiply 5 by 2 to get the same dimensions. That's how we keep flags consistent around the world, by creating them to scale in the same dimensions. So do you think you can design a better flag? Our city's artists, designers, architects, artists, and creatives think you can! Just stick to the dimensions, and be ready to justify your artistic vision in writing! This contest is for kids and adults alike, and will be showcased during Design Week Birmingham. The deadline for submission is September 14, so start drafting! Find all contest information at:
http://bhmflagproject.com/ P.S. If you want to send some to the blog along with your submission please email them to [email protected] and we will showcase them here!
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