City Flag Design Contest

Take a look at all the great entries below:

These are tough times that call for solidarity among our local residents, families, businesses, and government. Although some of us are more effected by the Coronavirus than others, there is no denying that we are all in this together.

In a show of solidarity and pride, Picture Pittsfield is hosting a city flag design contest open to residents of all ages and artistic ability. This is an opportunity to showcase our city’s unique talent, history, and culture.

Deadline
Sunday, May 10th 2020

Requirements

  • For consideration, entries must adhere to the “Five Basic Principals of Flag Design” shown below
  • Digital files (PDF, PNG, JPG) or 8.5″x 11″ landscape physical designs will be accepted
  • Entries must include name, contact info, and a brief summary of the symbolism used for the design.
  • Submissions may be emailed to dthueringer@pikeedc.org or mailed to:

Picture Pittsfield
PO Box 214
Pittsfield, IL 62363

Prizes

  • The winner will receive a $25 Pike County Chamber Bucks gift certificate and consideration by the city to officially adopt the flag
  • All entries will be displayed via an online album

If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to dthueringer@pikeedc.org or call 206-503-7902.

Additional Resources

The Five Basic Principles of Flag Design are:

  1. Keep It Simple.  The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
  2. Use Meaningful Symbolism.  The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
  3. Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors.  Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
  4. No Lettering or Seals.  Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.
  5. Be Distinctive.  Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

For a more in depth look at these rules, the North American Vexillological Association has put together a 16 page book with plenty of examples. Click on the photo to the right to explore “Good Flag, Bad Flag”

The TED Talk below by design journalist Roman Mars also summarizes Good Flag, Bad Flag. It highlights well designed flags like Chicago’s and poorly designed ones like San Francisco’s.