Wave Em Proud - Creative Exercise 38

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Introduction

    Flags are an object that most of us are familiar with. They surround us identifying countries, states, counties, sports teams, clubs, politics, etc. They present the viewer with colors, typography, imagery, meaning, symbols, stature, and pride, evoking emotion. A flag can make up anything that represents the institution’s brand identity. They ‘stand’ for something, and that is the main reason why people put them on a pedestal. It is to the point where people almost worship them. They become a part of someone's personality in extreme situations. If you are from the United States of America, you know that as a kid, (depending on your age) we stood before the flag reciting the renowned “Pledge of Allegiance” before we began our day in our local schools. We also recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” before major sports events and some entertainment. America is a prideful and proud nation, and the infamous flag with 15 red and white stripes and 50 blue stars waves proudly throughout each and every state.

    While we still have the image and lingering emotion of the American flag in our minds, I am going to explain this week’s creative exercise. This exercise was pulled from the book “CAFFEINE FOR THE CREATIVE MIND: 250 WAYS TO WAKE UP YOUR BRAIN, written by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield. The exercise is called “Wave Em Proud”.

    In the creative exercise “Wave Em Proud”, our challenge is to “create the official flag for one of the following entities:

Dog Chew Toys United

Computer Programmers Club

Weightlifting Nuns of America

Pizza Delivery Association

Poker Players’ Diet Group”

We can use colors, shapes, imagery, and basically, whatever else we would like!

“Design your flag, and fly it high!

The entity of my choice is “Poker Player’s Diet Group” and this is their flag:

Conclusion

    Flags, crafted from simple pieces of cloth, are raised high with profound importance, but their significance runs deeper than just colors, typography, imagery, and shapes. They are the organizations, institutions, or companies that they represent. Everywhere a flag is placed, it takes just one glance, and it triggers strong emotions, thoughts, and questions, providing insight, gaining knowledge, and shaping one's perception. Each flag communicates a specific message, and as a designer that is the main goal of our creations. As time goes on, flags evolve as does society. This proves that flags are more than just a piece of cloth. They are a powerful piece of history, culture, and passion.

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