Our Flag Design Named a Top 10 Finalist in the Illinois Flag Redesign Contest

Our Flag Design Named a Top 10 Finalist in the Illinois Flag Redesign Contest

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The Illinois state flag has proudly represented our state for over a century, symbolizing the rich history and resilience of its people. We hold deep respect for its design and the meaning it carries for Illinoians. However, as we look to the future, we believe it’s time for a refresh—one that reflects the diversity, energy, and aspirations of the modern Illinois citizen.

We’re not alone in this effort. In recent years, states like Mississippi, Utah, and Minnesota have updated their flags to better represent their current identity and celebrate their bright futures. Michigan is also planning a redesign for next year. By joining this movement, Illinois has the opportunity to create a bold new symbol that honors our past while embracing the dynamic spirit of today and tomorrow.

Our proposed design aims to inspire pride, spark connection, and become an emblem that every Illinoian can rally behind. This is more than just a flag—it’s a shared vision of who we are and where we’re headed as a state.

Our Submission: #2246

Flag Middle Section

Design Elements Explained

Design Elements Explained

Explain The Stripes

The Stripes

The 21 stripes on our flag symbolize Illinois’ proud history as the 21st state to join the Union, a milestone in our nation’s expansion. These stripes also pay homage to Illinois’ deep agricultural roots, evoking the image of meticulously planted rows of crops that stretch across the open prairie. This design reflects not only our state’s fertile lands but also the hardworking spirit of the family farmers and communities that have shaped Illinois’ identity for generations.

The Stars

The three six-pointed stars on the flag represent the distinct regions of Illinois—northern, central, and southern—each contributing its own unique character to our state. Their six points reflect harmony, strength, and balance, ideals that connect our diverse communities. Together, the stars’ 18 points honor Illinois’ founding in 1818, linking the present to our storied past and celebrating the unity that defines us as one Illinois.

Explain The Stars
Explain The Stars

The Stars

The three six-pointed stars on the flag represent the distinct regions of Illinois—northern, central, and southern—each contributing its own unique character to our state. Their six points reflect harmony, strength, and balance, ideals that connect our diverse communities. Together, the stars’ 18 points honor Illinois’ founding in 1818, linking the present to our storied past and celebrating the unity that defines us as one Illinois.

Explain The Sun

The Sun

A radiant sun rising on the horizon, a familiar element from our current state flag, symbolizes renewal and optimism for the future. This design choice pays homage to Illinois’ enduring belief that no matter the challenges we face, we are always striving toward brighter days. Just as the sun rises to begin a new day, the inclusion of this symbol reflects the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that has defined Illinois throughout its history. By carrying this emblem forward, we honor our past while embracing the endless possibilities of what lies ahead.

The Colors

The colors of our flag—blue, green, and yellow—carry deep meaning rooted in Illinois’ identity and natural beauty. Blue represents unity, a reflection of our state’s diverse communities coming together with shared purpose and pride. Green symbolizes agriculture, paying tribute to the vast fields, fertile prairies, and hardworking farmers who have shaped Illinois’ legacy. Yellow signifies a bright and hopeful future, embodying the optimism and innovation that drive us forward. Together, these colors honor Illinois’ rich history while celebrating the values and vision that make our state truly exceptional.

Explain The Color
Explain The Color

The Colors

The colors of our flag—blue, green, and yellow—carry deep meaning rooted in Illinois’ identity and natural beauty. Blue represents unity, a reflection of our state’s diverse communities coming together with shared purpose and pride. Green symbolizes agriculture, paying tribute to the vast fields, fertile prairies, and hardworking farmers who have shaped Illinois’ legacy. Yellow signifies a bright and hopeful future, embodying the optimism and innovation that drive us forward. Together, these colors honor Illinois’ rich history while celebrating the values and vision that make our state truly exceptional.

Quotes

We were just inspired by creating a flag that could unite everyone in Illinois, no matter where they’re from or what their background is.

Colleen Hayes

Clanin Creative, Graphic Designer

Quotes

We were just inspired by creating a flag that could unite everyone in Illinois, no matter where they’re from or what their background is.

Colleen Hayes

Clanin Creative, Graphic Designer

Frequently Asked
Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

The current Illinois state flag has served us for over 100 years, but just as fashion, art, and technology evolve, so too can the symbols that represent us. A flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a visual representation of our state’s identity, values, and aspirations. Over the years, Illinois has grown and changed in ways that the original design doesn’t fully capture.

As our state continues to evolve, we believe it’s important for our flag to reflect the Illinois of today and tomorrow—one that is dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking. Just as we update other aspects of our lives to stay relevant and innovative, our flag should also embody a modern and inclusive vision that resonates with all Illinoians, regardless of where they come from or where they’re headed.

By embracing a new design, we have the opportunity to place Illinois at the forefront of states that are updating their symbols to reflect their present and future. A fresh, modern flag would honor our history while embracing the progress we’re making together. It’s time for a symbol that will inspire pride in all of us for the next 100 years and beyond.

As proud Illinoians with a deep passion for both our state and design, the opportunity to combine these two passions was simply too compelling to pass up. Illinois has always been a place of innovation, hard work, and diverse communities, and we wanted to create a flag that reflects those values in a meaningful way. When the call for new flag submissions was announced, we saw it as a unique chance to represent our fellow citizens not only to the country but to the world.

We are honored to have our design selected as one of the finalists out of over 5,000 submissions. It’s a humbling recognition, and it fuels our belief in the power of design to bring people together and inspire pride. This flag is not just a symbol; it’s an opportunity to reflect the spirit and progress of Illinois today and for generations to come.

As proud Illinoians, we deeply honor Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and his profound connection to our state. Lincoln is celebrated in many ways across Illinois, from landmarks and schools to our license plates proudly proclaiming us the “Land of Lincoln.” While Lincoln remains an enduring symbol of Illinois’ values and history, our design takes a different approach.

We aimed to create a flag that represents the spirit of every Illinoian today, not just Lincoln—highlighting our unity, diversity, and forward-looking vision for the future. By focusing on broader themes like renewal, community, and the natural beauty of our state, we hope to craft a design that complements Lincoln’s lasting presence while offering a fresh, inclusive perspective on what it means to be part of Illinois in the modern era.

The use of modern colors in our flag design was a deliberate choice aimed at creating a fresh, distinctive look that sets Illinois apart. We wanted to avoid using colors that could be too closely associated with specific institutions or regions, such as orange and blue, which are strongly tied to the University of Illinois. Additionally, colors like red, white, and blue are featured in so many flags across the United States, making it challenging for Illinois to stand out as the unique and dynamic state it is.

By choosing a palette of blue, green, and yellow, we’re embracing a modern aesthetic that feels both vibrant and representative of Illinois’ diverse identity. These colors reflect unity, our rich agricultural heritage, and a bright future ahead. We believe this color scheme gives the flag a contemporary, inclusive feel while honoring the state’s history and natural beauty in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

Ultimately, our goal was to create a flag that not only resonates with Illinoians today but also stands out on the national and international stage, symbolizing Illinois as a forward-thinking, vibrant state.

No, our team is not making any money from this project. We volunteered our time and expertise because we truly believe in the importance of creating a flag that represents the spirit and future of Illinois. This was a passion project for us—a chance to contribute to something meaningful and earn a bit of bragging rights along the way.

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