Current flag

Current flag

<aside> 🇺🇸 Helena is the capitol of Montana, and the State’s sixth largest city. Seems only right that the flag of the capitol gets a makeover… preferably without Comic Sans font.

</aside>

The Original Design

The flag of Helena has a blue field with a large white disk in the center, bordered in gold. On a field of 5 by 9 units, the disk is 3 units in diameter. On the disk is the depiction of an old fire watchtower, in black, in the center, 2 units high, and 1.25 units wide at the base. Around the tower is a sparse green landscape, its upper edge slanting from about 9:30 o’clock to about 3:30 o’clock. Arched over the top of the disk in large gold letters is GUARDIAN OF THE GULCH. Centered below the disk, in gold numerals the same size, is 1881. - John M. Purcell, American City Flags, Raven 9-10, 2002-2003

The Redesign

My redesign

My redesign

Explanation

As far as city flags go, Helena is not too bad. The comic sans text is really the worst part, but there are some elements here that are just fine. The flag is 2:3, slightly different from the original design, but I kept the blue field to continue to represent Montana’s status as “Big Sky Country”. The field also represents the many bodies of water that lay in Helena’s vicinity, such as Lake Helena, Holter Lake, Tenmile Creek, and the Missouri River.

Helena's official symbol is a drawing of "The Guardian of the Gulch", which is a wooden fire watch tower. It still stands on Tower Hill overlooking the downtown district. The tower, built in 1874, replaced a series of observation buildings, the original being built in response to a series of devastating fires that swept through the early mining camp. It’s an important symbol included in the original flag, and I felt it was best to keep it as a main part of the design.

Contrary to what NAVA recommends and some vexillologists prefer, I think text and numbers can be included on flags as long as it is done tastefully. I have added 1881 (the year of the city’s official founding) into the middle of the watch tower, which fits into the shape of the railing around the tower and does not distract from the symbol, while simultaneously letting it keep some of the old style.

The Guardian of the Gulch

The Guardian of the Gulch

Helenalogo.png

The Gold circle represents the boom in population that Helena experienced during the gold rush and the placer deposits much of the city still sits upon.

There are 41 stars to represent Montana’s status as the 41st State admitted to the Union. The large star at the top serves to identify Helena as the State’s capital.

Ideas for Municipal Use / City Merchandise

Helena Snapback Cap MockUp.jpg

Helena Pin Button Badge Mock-Up1.jpg

Helena Stamp.jpg

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Helena Wax Seal.jpg

Helena Koozie MockUp copy.JPG

Helena Enamel Mug MockUp.jpg

First Drafts / Rejects

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