FAQ — Flag For Portland

You know Portland already has a flag, right?

Yes, we are aware, but it is at best a bland, non-descript design, and at worst, objectively bad.

art is subjective isn’t it, how can you call it objectively bad?

Admittedly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, the good folks at the North American Vexillology Association (Vexillology: the study of flags) have put together a great, and surprisingly readable pamphlet outlining how to create a good flag.

Let’s look at how the current Portland flag matches up with their Five Basic Principles of Flag Design:

1. Keep It Simple

The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.

Well, we didn’t have a child handy, but the full-grown adult editor of this website, who has spent an inordinate amount of time studying the flag tried to draw it from memory. Let’s just say the details of the seal are a bit much to try to reproduce.

2. Use Meaningful Symbolism

The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.

To be fair, the City Seal has some strong symbolism, assuming you were able to decipher the somewhat cryptic representations of the phoenix and dolphins.

3. 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.

The flag achieves this goal, but mostly by simplifying the City Seal down to a more-or-less monochromatic design.

4. No Lettering or Seals

Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.

Obvious fail here. The fine details and imagery of the seal is suited for static images, not flapping flags. The text adds complexity to making the flag 2-sided, is hard to read when flying, and ultimately is a tacit admission that the symbolism of the imagery has failed, the flag essentially needs a caption.

5. Be Distinctive or Be Related

Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

The image above shows a sampling of state flags (including Maine’s) that take the same basic design premise: Seal-on-a-blue-background. Maybe the text was added to Portland’s flag to differentiated it from Maine’s flag, but certainly no points for originality.

Come on, You’re claiming Portland’s flag isn’t “good” Just because it doesn’t meet some checklist of rules?

No, of course not. Some great flags violate a few (though likely not most) of NAVA’s design principles. However, the real proof in the pudding. If a flag is well designed, it is embraced and actively flown. Aside from on a few municipal buildings around town, you almost never see Portland’s flag in use, and many people don’t even know we have a flag.

So what’s your great idea for a replacement flag then?

Well, we’re so glad you asked. We are proposing the Safe in Port Flag shown below. You can learn about the inspiration and meaning of the design on our Safe in Port page.

However, since this is merely our suggestion for the flag, we’d love to see if you have a concept, image, or cocktail napkin sketch that you’d like to put out there, send it our way and maybe we’ll feature it on the site.

Ok, I’m intrigued, how do I get involved?

You can follow us on Twitter, facebook, or Instagram, or sign up for email updates and we will add you to our email list (we promise, we won’t send out frequent emails or sell your info). You can always send us a direct message as well at our contact page. If those creative jucies are flowing, feel free to submit your own design idea for the flag and maybe we’ll feature it on the website.