CITY OF BOISE FLAG DESIGN CONTEST

The City of Boise Flag Design Contest is an opportunity for Boise residents and designers to shape the identity of our city. By reimagining our flag, we aim to create a symbolic thread that connects our heritage with our aspirations, forging a visual emblem that resonates with pride and unity among Boise residents.

DEADLINE: Monday, February 24, 2025, 11 p.m. (MT)

LOCATION: Boise, Idaho

QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS: Please email mdunstan@cityofboise.org 

APPLY HERE. 

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Design Guidelines 

To ensure the success of the City of Boise City Flag Design Contest, we ask applicants to adhere to a set of guidelines that uphold the principles of good flag design as outlined by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA). 

Principles of good flag design include: 

• Simplicity: The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory. 
• Use meaningful symbolism: The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes. 
• 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to three that contrast well and come from the standard color set.
• No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal. 
• Distinctiveness: Avoid duplicating other flags but use similarities to show connections. 

Contest applicants are also encouraged to be inspired by and/or integrate the following concepts and values based on the results of the community survey (full results here):

• Boise's natural beauty: The Boise River, the Boise Foothills, and other area-specific nature.
• Simple and easy-to-recognize design with a traditional and timeless look.
• The colors Blue, Green, and White.

Contest Application Guidelines

The City of Boise Flag Design Contest is open only to residents of Boise, Idaho. In addition to a design, applicants must provide a brief written statement about their design and how it reflects community-sourced concepts and values. 

The application period for flag design submissions will be from February 4 to February 24, 2025.    

• Designs must be submitted via Submittable through the provided link by February 24, 2025, at 11 p.m. MT. You must make a free account on Submittable to apply.  
• Only ONE (1) design submission per person/business is allowed. 
• The design should be owned, created, and credited to an individual who submits the design. Designs generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not allowed due to copyright concerns.
• Minors may submit designs with parental consent.  
• The design must follow the flag principles mentioned above. 
• Must include the City of Boise blue (CMYK 100 17 0 73; RGB 0 61 94; Hex 003D5E; PMS 302C). 
• The design must be suitable for flag dimensions of 3 feet by 5 feet. For reference, the closest standard paper size is 11 inches by 17 inches.
• The design must be submitted in PDF, JPG, or PNG format. 
• Submitted designs must not contain any offensive, derogatory, or copyrighted material.
• If your flag design is chosen, the artist understands the copyright will belong to the City of Boise.  

Awards

The top 3 finalists will receive $1,000 with the winning designer being awarded an additional $4,000. 

Questions

Please contact Makenzi Dunstan at mdunstan@cityofboise.org with any questions.