GC Flag

TLDR: just watch this video

So, What’s the Deal with Flags?

Flags are pleasantly simple. Their only job is to symbolize a community from a distance. At its core a flag must only be recognizable when hoisted atop a flag pole and be meaningful to those who fly it. The best flags find a place in their community and are used for much, much more than just flagpole duties.

Why Does Georgetown College Need a New Flag?

An effective flag is a symbol of pride used far and wide. For example, an alum flying it outside their home, a professor flying it in miniature on their desk, or students flying it at an athletics event or using it as patches on backpacks or stickers on laptops. The current Georgetown College flag is never seen beyond its singular flagpole. We believe it is not being flown in these ways, not for any lack of community pride, but because the current flag is an ineffective vessel for pride.

This is a common problem. Too often a flag is made by throwing an existing logo or seal on a solid color cloth, never to be touched again. The Georgetown College flag follows this mold. Flags like these (we call them seals on a bed-sheet) tend to be bland and soulless, rarely if ever being embraced by a community.

What Makes a Good Flag?

There is no formula for a fantastic flag. But the North American Vexillological Association has identified 5 guidelines that are often followed in effective flags.

• Simplicity: The most common failing of flags is they try to include to much. Flags that stand the test of time don’t try to symbolize every part of a community, but instead the community as a whole.
• 2-3 Colors: The best flags usually only need a light color, a dark color, and maybe an accent color. When choosing colors, make sure light colors don’t touch other light colors. The same goes for dark colors.
• Meaningful Symbolism: A flag’s meaning does not need to be immediately understandable (do you know what the UK’s flag means? didn’t think so), but it does need to have a meaning (It’s a combination of the Scottish, English, and Irish flags). If the flag has to include the name of the place it represents to distinguish it from other flags, the symbolism has failed.
• No Text or Seals: Small details can’t be made out when the flag is 30ft up & flapping in the wind. Also, in addition to being illegible, any text will appear backward half the time because flags are all printed one-sided.
• Distinctiveness: If flag look like other flag, is even new flag? Looking at you Indonesia and Monaco!

When do we get to see the new flag?

A handful of finalist will be put up for a vote in late April/early May. Once a winner is determined it will be submitted to the Board of Trustees in July for final approval. Until then, please consider submitting a design or joining our organization!