Old Glory

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The American flag has been studied extensively, and is one of the most recognisable symbols ever produced, however the broad contexts in which it has been used have proposed contradictions, associations, and new meanings as a result.

Old Glory is a research project exploring the complex and conflicting meanings of the U.S. flag. 

Informed by writing, images, artefacts, and theory, the project explores how the wide contexts in which the flag is used affects its meaning.

This project is the follow-up to America [here]

The loose composition of assets reflects the non-hierarchical nature of the symbol, enabling materials to be explored independently from each other. 


The logotype and headlines are set in Gotham Bold; a typeface used in political campaigning since John F. Kennedy in 1960.


The pages encourage comparison and debate, allowing for a ‘tapas’ between the texts, critical theory, and images. 





The materials use typography and colour to link the written opinion (red) with the sources and critical theory (blue).



All materials are sized to U.S. letter paper dimensions, or derived from it using the 13-column grid, referencing the 13 stripes of the flag.



Critical theory cards provide brief introductions to the theories referenced throughout, and are the same dimensions as the U.S. flag.

Images firmly sit in an adjustable framework, with accompanying reference details. 


From political associations to placement on consumer products, the flags meaning is often shaped and conflicted by the context it is involved in.



God Bless the U.S.A!

Press
ItsNiceThat:  ‘Graphic designer Harry Stone unpacks the complex symbolism of the US flag’ – Daniel Milroy Maher