Design Contest Guidelines
Get Creative!
The purpose of hosting a public design contest to create the pro-life flag is to draw on as much pro-life talent from around the world as possible. In casting the net wide, we’re expecting (and excited for!) a variety of designs, colors, and symbolism. However, there are a few minimum requirements we definitely want to see in the pro-life flag and a few elements we think would be better left out.
Minimum Requirements
Must include some element that represents the mother of the child
Must include some element that represents the child
Design must be imposed on a 3 x 5 rectangle (dimensions of a standard flag)
What Not to Include
Words, letters, or numbers
Photographs
Direct references to/logos of a single pro-life group
Overt religious symbolism — we want the design to be inclusive of the entire pro-life movement, representing people of all religious backgrounds who oppose abortion.
Too many colors, symbols, or elements — a good flag should have an air of simplicity.
Other Possible Symbols to Consider Incorporating
(not requirements, just ideas)
Baby footprints, a symbol already loosely associated with the pro-life movement
The millions of children whose lives have been ended by abortion
The mental/emotional/physical pain many women feel before/during/after an abortion
The father of the child
A hole or missing element to symbolize the life missing because of an abortion
The purity of the pro-life movement’s intentions
The peace/nonviolence we hope to see realized with the end of abortion
The love that the pro-life movement shows to pregnant mothers and their born and preborn children
Logistical Considerations
Consider how easily the design might be incorporated onto non-flag items (clothes, stickers, etc.); part of the reason the rainbow flag has been so effective is because it can be easily projected onto almost anything
Consider how recognizable the design will be when the flag is hanging limp (like on days with no wind)
You may approach the flag’s design in two ways:
make a stand-alone “symbol” and impose it on a 3x5 rectangle (think New Mexico’s state flag)
-OR-
incorporate the entire 3 x 5 rectangle into the design (think Texas’s state flag)
In general, we think the pro-life flag should be simple, symbolic, and recognizable. Refer to the guidance in Good Flag, Bad Flag for more guidelines on what makes a good flag. We’re looking forward to seeing all that you come up with. Happy designing!