FLAG DESIGN PROCESS

[THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED]

Participant Guidelines

• Submission dates: June 3, 2020-July 3, 2020
• All designs must be submitted via traditional mail or delivered to one of four drop-off locations.

 Mail

    City of Baldwin City, PO Box 86, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006

 Drop-Off Locations

• City Hall
• Lumberyard Arts Center
• Baldwin City Library
• Baldwin City Recreation Commission

Submission Specifications

• Design should be created on 3×5 note card
• Entries must include contact information: name, address, phone number, email and a paragraph (150 words or less) explaining symbolism in the flag.
• Entries should be hand-drawn and use solid colors. Please don’t submit graduated colors or digital art.
• All entries will be judged based on the North American Vexillological Association’s 5 principles of good design.
  • Keep it simple: The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
  • Use meaningful symbolism: The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
  • Use 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
  • No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.
  • Be distinctive or be related: Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.
• Individuals can submit up to three different entries per person.
• Everyone is encouraged to submit.
• Entries with no identifying information will be submitted as "Anonymous."

Legal Disclaimer: 

Entries that do not follow the above guidelines will not be considered. All entries become property of the City of Baldwin City and the author/creator relinquishes all rights to the design and entries are subject to disclosure under Kansas Open Records laws. The Flag Design Review Committee reserves the right to alter, modify, or combine designs to create an official City of Baldwin City flag. Submissions by members of the Flag Design Review Committee will not be considered.

Voting

• After submissions are received, the Flag Design Review Committee will participate in an extensive review/selection session to identify the top designs; then:
• Public voting will be available online from July 17 - July 31, 2020 on baldwincity.gov.
• Everyone is encouraged to vote.
• Individuals can vote only once.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLAG?

1. Keep it simple. The flag should be so simple a child can draw it from memory. We recommend designing on a 3x5 index card.

2. Use symbolism that reminds you of Baldwin City. The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.

3. Use 2-3 basic colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to no more than three (3) high contrast colors. No gradients.

4. Avoid lettering of any kind. Remember this is a flag, hanging on a flag pole and flapping in the wind. Lettering is not usually readable.

5. Be unique. Don’t copy other flags, although you may want to use a similarity to show a connection.

Other resources

Good flag, bad flag - North American Vexillological Association

Ted Talk - Roman Mars - Why City Flags May Be the Worst Designed Thing You’ve Never Noticed

American Flag Survey of 2004

Will my design become the flag if I win? City Council will adopt the final design as the official Baldwin City Flag.

Will there be a monetary prize? No. 

Do I have to be a resident of Baldwin City to submit? No. Entry is not limited geographically.

Is there an entry limit? Each individual is allowed up to three (3) submissions.

Is there an age requirement? No. All ages are encouraged to submit.

Is there a cost to submit? No. It’s free and accessible to all.

How do I learn how to make a well-designed flag? 

Where do I find materials for this project? 3x5 cards and printed instructions are available at City Hall, Baldwin City Recreation Commission, the Lumberyard Arts Center, and the Baldwin City Library. You may also purchase your own index cards or download a form here.

How do I submit my design? We request submissions be delivered in person to one of the four (4) drop-off locations, or sent via traditional mail. If this is a hardship for you, please email us and we’ll arrange an alternate submission method.