Unfurling the secrets of flag redesign

designweek.co.uk

By Molly Long August 18, 2021 1:44 pm
DESIGNWEEK Feature 

Flags are not the immutable form of graphic design they appear to be. Like logos and other brand assets, they are subject to change.

Kyle Lockwood explains that designing a flag that represents an entire community is extremely challenging. A successful design must resonate with the people it represents, which is difficult when millions have different opinions.

Lockwood’s Silver Fern flag was one of the leading alternatives during New Zealand’s 2016 flag referendum. The design features a silver fern leaf, symbolising Aotearoa’s peaceful, multicultural society and the idea of one people growing together into the future. Despite strong support, the design received about 44% of the vote, and New Zealand chose to keep its existing flag.

Lockwood notes that one challenge in the process was deciding which traditional design rules to follow and which to break. While some experts argue flags should be simple enough for a child to draw, Lockwood believes oversimplifying a design can prevent it from truly representing a community’s identity and values. Even after losing the referendum, many New Zealanders still proudly use the Silver Fern flag today at events such as sports matches.

Read more https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/16-22-august-2021/unfurling-the-secrets-of-flag-redesign/