Everything You Need to Know About Designing a Custom Flag
If you’ve never ordered a flag before, it’s easy to assume that a flag is just a flag. Surely there can’t be too many choices.
That’s definitely not the case!
There are many ways to design a custom flag. That can be a good or a bad thing.
Having so many choices can be great if you know exactly what you want, and it’s something that’s slightly out of the norm. It’s easy to get what you want today when just a few years ago it may not have been possible. On the other hand, if you are unfamiliar with the world of custom flags, it can seem very overwhelming.
Our flag maker is here to help!
Here’s everything you need to know about designing the perfect custom flag.
Think about what kind of flag you want
You might have an idea what kind of design you want to use, but we recommend considering what kind of flag you want first. There are many different custom made flags to choose from!
Traditional rectangular flags are always a popular option, but other types of flags you can choose from include:
- Hand Flags
- Street Flags
- String Bunting
- Pennant Flags
- Bannerettes
- Golf Flags
- Car Flags
- Polyester Mesh Banners
You can even choose from some surprising products, like table covers, canopy tents, and even scarves! The product you choose will help you determine what kind of image you should print on it.
For example, you’ve got a lot more room to create a complex design if you choose custom banners. You have a lot less space if you choose a hand flag. Text may be appropriate on a banner, when it wouldn’t be appropriate on a hand flag.
Think about how you’re going to display the flag
Next, you’ll want to think about how you’re going to hang your custom flag. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to hang it from a pole either. There are a lot of creative uses for every kind of flag!
For example, if you’re going to hang a traditional rectangular flag at the top of a flag pole outside, a detailed design is going to be hard to see. If instead you’ll be hanging a flag or banner on a wall indoors, people will be able to get up-close and see what’s printed on the fabric, so a more complex design can be effective.
Avoid using too much text in situations where people are just passing by, but a flag with more content can be used in waiting areas, like where people are waiting in line to get food at a trade show.
Use a design program when creating a custom flag
Once you have a good idea what kind of flag you want and how you plan to display it, you can start thinking more carefully about exactly what you’re going to print on the flag.
A design program can make sure you get everything exactly how you want it, as opposed to drawing out your design by hand or trying explain what you want to the flag maker. It will ensure your design is precise, and exact color matching can be used to make sure you get the perfect shade of every hue. That’s especially important if you will be using a company logo.
Don’t think that using a design program means you have to learn how to use complex editing programs! At The Flag Makers, we have many different artwork templates you can work with. You can use these templates when creating your images to ensure you get everything exactly the way you want it.
Keep it simple
One last piece of advice we always like to share with our customers is that it’s always better to keep things simple. Most people only spend a few seconds looking at a flag, while in some cases, they spend even less time looking. Whether someone is driving down the street or stopping into your trade show booth, you want to make sure they can figure out exactly what is on your flag with just one to two seconds of their attention. That means making logos big and bold, and it means keeping text and overly complex designs to a minimum.
A few exceptions include coat of arms flags and bannerettes, which are traditionally design- and text-heavy.
Need help creating a custom flag? Allow our flag designer to help! Send us your image or tell us more about what you’re looking for and we’ll create a proof just for you!