Consider what you will be using your flag for. A triangle will work well for a pennant flat, while a rectangle will work for a sports flag, or the flag of a fictional country. In general, rectangles are the easiest shape to work with because they give you the most space to create your design on, and the majority of modern flags are rectangles.
You could create a symmetrical flag, like Japan’s flag, or an asymmetrical flag, like Norway’s flag. Look at flags for other countries and sports teams to get ideas. A good rule of thumb is be related, or be distinct. An example of related flags are flags with the Nordic cross, such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and more. If you really want a detailed flag, take a look at some of the state and community flags. Note that many state flags are considered bad or poorly made.
You do not need to stick to the most popular colors. Instead, choose a color that symbolizes the place or organization your flag represents. Avoid colors that are too similar to each other, such as red and orange or navy and dark purple. They won’t stand out as well.
For example, if you are creating a flag for a fishing club, you may want to use a fishing rod, boat, or fish as a symbol. The color blue could also be used to represent water.
Black: determination, ethnic heritage, bravery, and/or defeating one’s enemies. Blue: freedom, vigilance, perseverance, loyalty, justice, prosperity, peace, patriotism, water. Green: the Earth, agriculture, luck, and/or fertility. Red: courage, communism, revolution, hardiness, blood, and/or valor. White: peace, purity, snow, and/or innocence. Yellow: the sun, wealth, and/or justice. Pink: feminism. Gray: selflessness.
The Japanese flag, for instance, has a plain white background with a red circle in the middle. This represents the sun, which is an important symbol in Japanese culture. Create your own meaningful symbol. For example, holding hands can symbolize friendship or teamwork.
Flags are often hung up high and can flap in the breeze. As a result, lettering of any kind will be difficult to read. If you must include lettering, make it visible. For example, California’s state flag has the words “California Republic” written in bold, brown letters on a white background.
You can still have a more detailed image on your flag, like the grizzly bear on California’s state flag. The overall shape should be simple, however. Stylization is your friend here. A great way to create easy designs is to use stencils, cookie cutters, or clip art.
Alternatively, you can use an image editing program, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Paint. These programs often come with basic shapes and lettering, ideal for flags.
