Flag Tips

[deckardcanine]

Vexillologists (those who like studying flags)
Have assembled consistent advice
For people who want to design a new flag.
Here are ways you can make it look nice.

The first basic principle: Make it so simple
That children can draw it by rote,
With focus on one major shape and no different
Design on the back side to note.

Rule 2 is to have every visual element
Serve as a symbol of sorts.
Make sure that the group whom the flag represents
Can appreciate what it imports.

Pick two or three shades from a limited palette:
Red, yellow, green, black, white, and blue.
Let light colors separate dark or vice versa.
In grayscale, it ought to come through.

Do not include writing, not even one letter.
Most wouldn’t look right in reverse.
This isn’t a seal; it gets viewed from a distance.
To use the group name’s even worse.

If this group connects with another, you might
Want to go with a common motif,
But don’t use a pattern too much like another;
You’d better not look like a thief.

The overall shape of a regular rectangle
Helps a flag minimize wear.
The upper-left corner, the canton, is seen
With no wind, so you might put stuff there.

Let lone individuals make the designs;
Then committees can choose the best one.
All rules have exceptions, but break them with caution.
That covers the basics. Have fun!