THE BEAUTIFUL MEME Union Jack Redesign
When the ‘Union Jack’ was first introduced in 1606, it was known simply as
The world is very different to how it was in 1606, so it is important to bring
‘the British flag’ or ‘the flag of Britain’, and was ordered to be flown at the
the flag up to date. I personally think that the UK has some quite negative
main masthead of all ships, warships and merchant ships, of both England
connotations, we have built our kingdom up using power and fear and it is
and Scotland. With this in mind the Union Jack has strong connotations of
time to revolutionize the UK and the flag and create a peaceful, modern
war, I want to get rid of this association with world domination and fear.
identity. We need a new image which represents the 21st Century, equality and forward thinking.
Josh Douglas
CURRENT FLAG CONCEPT
The Union Jack has been created by linking the flags of each countries
so many diverse cultures. I think using the existing colour scheme will help
patron saints, but I think in this day and age, using flags with religious
to keep some of the flags heritage and give reference to countries history.
connotations isn’t really that appropriate, especially in a country with
I definitely think that the flag needs to be revolutionized.
Josh Douglas
CONCEPT 1
I want to give the UK a new image. I am using circular imagery to
Colour Scheme : For this redesign I wanted to try include the green
represent unity and equality. We are now a multi cultural society
from the welsh flag as I think it is important to incorporate and
living as one and this is the message I want to convey. Because
acknowledge all the countries involved in the UK. The blue signifies
many people in the UK have a strong attachment to the Union Jack,
that we are part of Europe, one giant united community. The
so I have tried to keep elements of the design. This design trys to
following boards show development and variations of this concept
emphasizes unity and also references the current flags composition.
in an attempt to resolve the problem.
Josh Douglas
DEVELOPMENT IDEAS
Hints of welsh dragons tail, shamrock and union jack
I decided that If I were to incorporate the European element to the flag, it would be better to have a blue background rather than being a piece of the ‘UK pie’ so to speak. I think these designs have a strong presence, they are simple but eye-catching and represent a modern forward thinking United Kingdom whilst also referencing the existing flags heraldic cross composition.
CONCEPT 2
The message is the same again and emphasizes unity represented
The emblem has different connotations depending on which way it
as the circular form, in an attempt to give the United Kingdom a
is rotated, the one on the left points forward representing change
new positive image. The 3 sections represent, England, Northern
and moving ahead, where as the one on the right references the
Ireland and Wales. The circle is broken up into 3 equal sections to
peace symbol. Both versions have positive messages.
represent equality.
Josh Douglas
DEVELOPMENT IDEAS
Knowledge is something which has got the UK to where it is today and is a positive message to promote.
These signify peace, unity and moving forward.
I have produced several designs which explore the use of the emblem in different ways. The emblem depicts a few connotations. The top row looks like an abstract picture of someone reading a book, emphasizing that knowledge is power. The other versions represent peace, equality and moving forward/up.
FLAGS IN CONTEXT
I think these style of flags work well on others. I will have to see how the flag works in more contexts as the flag appears on countless objects, souvenirs and sports kits.
Josh Douglas
FINAL FLAG DEVELOPMENT
After the crit I worked on 4 different flag designs but came to the conclusion that this
I have used the royal blue colour we can see on the current union jack as this is the
was the most iconic flag which still carries reference to the existing flag. This shape is
most predominant on the other countries flags where the union jack is incorporated.
memorable and eye catching which is a must have quality. The version with the white
This colour scheme is also really iconic to the United Kingdom.
background doesn't have a strong enough impact.
Josh Douglas
FINAL DESIGN
What started off as a revolution of the flag has ended up being more of an evolution.
a new message of equality and unity using circular imagery and equal sections. The
I have stuck with the original colour scheme as it is iconic to the UK and already
cross like composition looks similar to the union jack but is completely different. I
references our heritage and history. I have taken away the religious connotations of
think the majority of the United Kingdom would be happy with this flag.
the flag and promoted
Josh Douglas
FLAGS IN CONTEXT
I think this design works well on all the other flags, the circular aspect to the flag doesn't ruin the composition of the others and also the same colour scheme as the original is used which means there are no extra colours to worry about.
Josh Douglas
FLAGS IN CONTEXT
The flag can also be photoshopped quite crudely onto tacky tourist memorabilia too working well in context. Even though this flag is very different to the current union jack, it still works well to represent the UK but conveys a whole new message.
Josh Douglas