In a transformative graphic design project, Syracuse, NY, proudly unveiled a new city flag, symbolizing the city's heritage, topography, and ambitions. The flag's redesign was led by Art Director and Senior Designer Eric Hart, an eighth-generation Syracusan, and carries the inspiring name "The First Light Flag."
Each element of the flag design is rooted in a deeply meaningful representation of Syracuse. At the flag's core, a six-pointed star recognizes the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee, the area's indigenous population, and the city's six previous names. The blue triangles portray the city's geographical landscape - its rolling hills and valleys. In contrast, the sun's warmth and the city's rebirth are symbolized by a vibrant orange. The historical salt industry and the city's snowy winters are reflected in the flag's white. Azure blue nods to the Onondaga Lake and the Erie Canal, while navy blue represents Syracuse's fertile soil and its hardworking inhabitants.
This graphic design endeavor was orchestrated by AdaptCNY, a local non-profit that initiated the Syracuse flag redesign competition back in 2019. The contest officially started in November 2022, and by May 2023, four semifinalists were selected from 300 design submissions. Among them was the First Light flag. Syracuse residents were invited to vote on the designs, and on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, The First Light flag emerged as the winner. The city officially adopted it as the new city flag on June 20, 2023.
Licensed under "Creative Commons 0," the First Light flag's design is in the public domain, making it free for commercial use by everyone. Hart has set up an online shop selling First Light flag merchandise, and there are plans to incorporate the flag design into various city projects, including murals and city park integrations, enhancing its visibility across Syracuse.
Graphic design artifacts
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