flag project - banner

In the same way a mascot unites a team, a flag allows citizens to show pride and love for their hometown. Show off your love for Baldwin City and help us design a flag by the people and for the people!

This contest is a chance for all of us to create a new city flag together. We want something that can fly all over Baldwin City proudly, outside businesses and homes. Something our business owners can put on products to promote the heart and soul of this small town. A design by the people and for the people.

Submit your design

Submissions open June 3rd, 2020 and continue through July 3rd, 2020. You may submit by dropping off your design at City Hall, the Lumberyard Arts Center, Baldwin City Library, or the Baldwin City Recreation Commission. You may also mail your design to PO Box 86, Baldwin City, KS, 66006 or email us. 

Please submit on a 3x5 index card, and include:

  • Your name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • A short paragraph explaining symbolism used (less than 150 words)
  • Download the submission form here, or pick up at City Hall.
  • Anyone may submit up to three designs.
  • Entries with no identifying information will be submitted as "Anonymous."

flag entry formflag design contest

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.

Voting Rounds

The Community Development Committee will review all submissions carefully by July 6th, using the North American Vexillological Association’s 5 principles of good design. 

Final 5 and Public Feedback

The final five (5) designs and artists will be featured at the Lumberyard Arts Center on July 17th during the Art Walk, and public voting will begin.

Final 2 Designs

The top two (2) designs as decided by public voting on the top five (5) designs will go to city council for a final decision.

The final design will be unveiled this fall, at the Sesquicentennial Celebration planned for September 19th.

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.
  1. FAQs
  2. Resources

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.