Having a custom boat flag is a perfect way to make your boat or yacht stand apart from the crowd. Whether you decide to print your company logo, pictures of your family, or even the name of your boat, a quality custom boat flag is sure to spice up your time spent at sea.

Designing a flag is a personal process that requires a fair amount of introspection. If you aren’t sure what to include on your custom boat flag, this article is for you. Here are a few tips for designing a seaworthy boat flag.

1. Keep It Simple

Sometimes the best designs are the simplest ones. This goes for boat flags, too. Simple designs are easy to spot, look good with just about anything, and still afford plenty of room for creativity.

What’s more, minimalism is a very popular design choice at the moment. So before you go overboard thinking of hundreds of symbols to include, take a moment and consider what symbolism is most important and how you can convey it in a simple, poignant manner.

When it comes to keeping it simple, here are some suggestions:

  • Pick a number that means something to you
  • Pick meaningful colors
  • Be creative with negative space
  • Pick something that complements your personality
  • Pick something that complements the style of your boat

One tried-and-true rule for a simple flag is that if you are not able to draw it from memory, it isn’t simple enough.

2. Be Distinctive

Odds are you want your custom flag to be distinctive. After all, what’s the point of customizing it if it ends up looking exactly like someone else’s?

Distinctive flags can still sport influences from other sources — they just don’t have to exploit them. As with minimalism, take some time and think about what is most important to you before deciding what to include on your flag.

3. Don’t Use More than Three Main Colors

A good flag should be instantly recognizable. But there’s a fine line with recognizability. Too many colors will make your flag an eyesore and complicate its symbolism.

For this reason, we recommend trying to stick with three colors. If possible, make sure they contrast well. Try juxtaposing them and looking at them from a distance. That should give you a better idea of how they will appear to others at sea.

Get Your Custom Flag

If you are ready to design your custom flag, contact Elmer’s Flag today. Even if you do not know exactly what you want, we will be happy to address any questions you have.