Norman Taking Design Submissions For New City Flag

Wednesday, February 19th 2020, 8:31 pm

By: Storme Jones

A week after the state unveiled its new brand, a community group in Norman is taking on the task of designing a new city flag.

“The current flag is, it’s a lovely design,” Flag Project Chair Gabriel Bird said. “It’s just a little too busy for a flag.”

He referenced places like Chicago and closer to home in Tulsa, where the city flag has become a part of the local culture.

“When a flag really succeeds you see people flying it, you see people putting it on t-shirts, you see people putting it on cell phone cases,” Bird said.

The current Norman flag is protected by copyright, meaning even if you wanted to put it on a shirt, you couldn't.

The current flag will become the city’s logo, remaining on street signs, city vehicles and manhole covers.

No city funds are being used in the flag project.

“We want anybody and everybody,” Bird said. “If you’ve got a 5-year-old that has a great idea, write it down and send it in.”

Bird said there are keys too making a good flag.

Keep it simple Use meaningful symbolism Use 2 or 3 basic colors No lettering or seals Be distinctive or be related

Flag designs and artist statements can be submitted on normanflag.com. Submission forms are also available at Norman public library locations for people without computer access. Bird said if selected, graphic designers will help people who hand draw their submissions.

Designs are due March 19. A community committee will narrow down the ideas before a public vote in April.