Nikolai / dimitri

1. CONCEPT

I usually start with a concept. this could be anything. it could be the definition or the colours I'd like to use. sometimes it's just "wow, I wanna make a flag with a cow on it, cus I like cows" it doesn't have to be super specific, just an idea.

For this demonstration I will use the concept of a camera.

2. SYMBOL

You don't have to have a symbol on your flag but I like to. there's so many websites you can use to find PNG's, I'd recommend thenounproject as it gives you the option for lineart or solid PNG's.

3. COLOURS

This is my favourite step, I love colours so much. if you don't know how to make a good colour palette or if you simply don't want to, (there is no shame in that, don't worry) you can always find something on Pinterest, Pinterest is your friend!!

I usually use a colour palette with 7 colours because my template has 7 stripes, but you can use however many you'd like!

4. ASSEMBLING THE BASE

We now have the beginnings of the base of our flag. we will put everything on top of this. I like to keep my bases relatively simple so that way I can put as much detail on top as I'd like without it getting messy.

Now we have our coloured base! you can have a gradient going up or down or going outwards or inwards or you can have any matter of combinations! it's really up to you

5. THE SYMBOL (again)

Once you've imported your symbol you can resize it and put it wherever you'd like on your flag. (though the centre is typically the default)

We are now done with the bare bones of the flag. now we get to do the fun part.

6. THE FUN PART

I like to use frames to add some interest to the edge of the flag so it isnt a harsh line, because I find it boring and I want some interest!

Depending on the vibe I either use the spiky frame or the scalloped frame to change how the stripes are shaped. you can add then to all the stripes to give a cool effect. for example, JamJoule (link) uses the scalloped frame on the top stripes and the spiky frame on the bottom one.

This is another way I make my flags look nice, you'll see this on nearly all of my flags. I like to colour these rows one of it's neighboring colours so it stays cohesive, you can use another colour with a significantly lighter or darker hue to add contrast.

7. THE COMPLETION (link to the flag post)

All thats left to do is give it a definition if you havent already and give it a name.

I love a good portmanteau so I usually mash two words together, ideally one that ends with the same letters that the other word starts with and boom, you're done!

I hope this was a good explanation and I hope it leads to even just one person making a flag. if there is anything you'd like me to clarify, please feel free to ask and I will try my hardest to explain!!

Here are the Templates!!