5.
BE DISTINCTIVE
OR BE RELATED
| Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections… |
| This is perhaps the most difficult principle, but it is very important. Sometimes the good designs are already "taken". However, a flag’s symbols, colors, and shapes can recall other flags—a powerful way to show heritage, solidarity, or connectedness. This requires knowledge of other flags. |
| Often the best way to start the design process can be looking to one’s "roots" in flags—by country, tribe, or religion. |
| GOOD | BAD |
 Ghana |
 Indonesia |
| Using the same colors used by many countries in Africa, this flag shows a strong connection to its neighbors’ flags. | Except for its proportions, this flag is
exactly the same as Monaco’s (which had it first), but there is no connection between the
two countries. Upside-down it is the same as Poland or as Cantabria, Spain!
|
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