Columbus Needs a New City Flag

[MotoristParticipant]

johnwirtz wrote >>

groundrules wrote >>
Okay, so instead of a new flag, we maybe we just need to start plastering it places? And people begin to recognize it….
THEN WHAT???
(I know someone is gonna say it, so I’ll save that person the trouble: “Profit!”)

Maybe, but if we’re going to put it everywhere, it should be a better design.
Yes, you figured out the plan.
Phase 1 – New flag
Phase 2 – ?
Phase 3 – Profit
Well done.

I thought it went:

1. Money
2. Power
3. Women

[Walker EvansKeymaster]

What if the new Columbus Flag mirrored the Ohio Flag in its non-traditional shape?

[joevParticipant]

Like it or not, a flag says something about the people and place that accept it. For instance, what does this flag make you think about Brown County, Nebraska?

What about Mozambique?

Do either of these flags make you think positively about the location? Granted, Columbus’ flag is nowhere near as bad, but it could be much, much better.

[groundrulesParticipant]

I’ll be sure to google flag images before planning my next vacation.

[joevParticipant]

groundrules wrote >>
I’ll be sure to google flag images before planning my next vacation.

Feel free to scoff. Among all things, flags aren’t terribly important, but they are a symbol of a place – wouldn’t you prefer a symbol that accurately represents the place?

[rusParticipant]

Cookie wrote >>

johnwirtz wrote >>
You start to see this everywhere, and it becomes part of the city’s identity. The Chicago city flag is certainly leveraged to this point, as arenn noted. I would argue that most native Chicagoans even know what the four stars symbolize.

Right, because when people think of Chicago, they think, “Sweet flag.”

[johnwirtzParticipant]

groundrules wrote >>
I’ll be sure to google flag images before planning my next vacation.

I’m curious to hear how do you feel about the arches in the Short North and Old North Columbus. They don’t hold anything up. We didn’t need the extra light. They take up some sidewalk space, and they sure as hell weren’t free. I suspect that very few people go visit Columbus or the Short North just to see the arches. Yet they still add to the sense of place and make the city more attractive (I think).

[In fact, the arches would be another good thing to build on as part of the city’s brand identity. Let’s put them at the border of every major neighborhood.]

[blammoParticipant]

the arches look pretty badass when you’re high though, it would take one hell of a flag to make the same impact.

[TalcottMember]

blammo wrote >>
the arches look pretty badass when you’re high though, it would take one hell of a flag to make the same impact.

We could take Walker’s suggestion of an unusual shape, and make the Columbus flag a spiraling shape [everyone wants to see that groovy thing].

ooooh! Or we could do a magic-eye image on the flag!

[rusParticipant]

Talcott wrote >>

ooooh! Or we could do a magic-eye image on the flag!

Stare hard… I know there’s a cow in there somewhere…

[MattCooperParticipant]

Does a single person in Columbus have a strong positive emotion toward the current flag?

How could they. Its completely lame.

Anything would be better.

Great thread.

[johnwirtzParticipant]

groundrules wrote >>
I find this bordering on ridiculous. We need a brand? for what? seriously.

More on branding of cities:
http://www.urbanophile.com/2010/05/06/do-cities-need-a-creative-director/

http://www.urbanophile.com/2010/05/13/the-authentic-city/

[FlagLadyMember]

Hey Everyone! Love the ideas for the new flags. This is Harry from The Flag Lady’s Flag store, I saw someone posted something about having us change the City of Columbus Flag…I have a better idea, let’s hold a design contest, We can host it here or on our Facebook Page. Whatever design wins, we’ll start making and selling in our stores…who’s up for the challenge?

[Josh LappParticipant]

AWESOME IDEA! Please do, I for one will buy!

[johnwirtzParticipant]

I’m in. Should we lay down any ground rules? How many designs can we submit? Do you need detailed dimensions or just concepts right now?

[Author]

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