Tweet: This TED talk offers intriguing insight into the
design of flags. Take a look to better understand something that we see and
assign meaning to all the time, but paradoxically don’t often think about.
The city of Normal Illinois does not
currently have a flag, but if it chooses to adopt one the flag I have created
would suit it well. The flag follows all of the guidelines of vexillology which
are important to designing a good flag that were outlined in the video. The
first way it does this is through being is a simple and easily recognizable
design constructed of simple shapes and colors. This makes the flag more
attractive and makes it easier to incorporate the flag into difference
environments by making it easy to construct. It is also important that a flag
carries some sort of meaning through its design, this flag does this primarily
through color. The colors add meaning to the flag with the green being symbolic
of money and nature. The money aspect speaks to the importance of business in Normal, primarily the insurance business, and the natural quality
of green reminds people of the many golf courses that Normal is home to. The
black color evokes feelings of authority and depth, which are attributes
exemplified by the town’s university which is also an important aspect of life
in Normal. The final aspect of the flag’s design that is important is its
symmetry, which speaks to the nature of Normal as a balanced and peaceful city.
The flag also follows the guideline of leaving out writing in order to allow
the flag to speak for itself, and to make sure that the flag is recognizable
and equally meaningful from whatever distance it is viewed.
This looks like a Jamaican rip off. You're only missing the yellow strips crossing like an X. As your explanation for the black has a very good meaning behind, the explanation for the green is about money and nature. In my opinion I believe the money aspect of the green is a little harsh, and few people would like to be known for money, it could come off snobbish. I believe you should keep the idea of nature, I like that one. You described and supported your flag very well.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the aspect of business could be incorporated in a way that is not simply green for money. I also feel like the shapes on the flag should have more meaning in reflecting different qualities of the town
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is simple enough that a child could draw it, your flag could use more symbolism. The color symbolism makes sense but I think there needs to be an image that is easily identified and unique to Normal.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy the use of color to represent meaning in the flag, but the triangle/criss-cross shape of the flag doesn't really make sense, or at least it doesn't have any meaning for your town. There are many other designs that could be symmetrical that are different from this one.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Jack, your flag looks very similar to the Jamaican flag. Also, the dark colors don't seem warm and inviting, which is what every town would want to be known as. I think the green for the money theme comes across as shallow, however, if you want to keep the business idea, maybe you could choose a different, brighter color that seems more warm and inviting which would portray the business aspect better
ReplyDelete