Flags for everyone: a creative approach to rethinking flag design

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which flag designs have impacted different communities of people on the city, county, state, and national levels. Topics of discussion include the importance of a flag to a group of people, the five design principles that go into making a well-designed flag, how different U.S. communities have already successfully changed their flag, and why a nationwide flag overhaul could be beneficial to modern American society. This thesis also has a creative portion that takes a closer look into the designs of Indiana’s city and county flags. Based upon my research into the five principles of good flag design, I rate and critique several of Indiana’s existing city and county flags, design new flags for select Indiana counties and Muncie neighborhoods, and redesign the Muncie flag.