Yes, you can design your own personal or family coat of arms if you follow the basic rules and guidelines of heraldry. A coat of arms is a design belonging to a particular person or family and used by them as their emblem. Historically, a coat of arms was used to identify someone on the battlefield and later used as a symbol of status. While coats of arms were originally granted to knights and nobles in the Middle Ages, these days anyone can create their own coat of arms for personal or decorative use. Here are some quick answers about designing your own coat of arms:
– There are no strict legal requirements – you don’t need official approval
– Research the symbolism and history to create a meaningful design
– Use heraldic principles and color rules to make it look authentic
– Consider your family history, interests, occupation, values for inspiration
– Draw, paint, or use software to create the visual design
– Display on your personal stationery, website, clothing, or other items
The Origins and Rules of Heraldry
Heraldry, the system of coats of arms, began in medieval Europe dating back to the 12th century. The purpose was to identify armored knights on the battlefield. The design on a knight’s shield became their personal coat of arms. Throughout the Middle Ages, the use of coats of arms spread through all ranks of society. They became hereditary and associated with noble families. To keep order in the system, heraldry operates under strict rules and regulations. While official coats of arms are still governed by heraldic authorities in some countries, individuals can create their own personal coat of arms without needing official approval. However, following the basic principles of heraldry results in a coat of arms with an authentic, professional appearance.
Basic Heraldic Rules
Here are some of the key considerations when designing a coat of arms:
- A shield or crest shape – the centerpiece of the arms
- Charges – symbols like animals, objects, plants or geometric shapes
- Ordinaries – basic patterns like chevrons, crosses or bars
- Tinctures – colors like gules (red), azure (blue), vert (green)
- Helm – the crown or rank symbol above the shield
- Mantling – cloth around the helm and shield
- Crest – 3D object above helm like an animal or plume
- Supporters – figures flanking the shield
- Motto – short phrase under the shield
Choosing Meaningful Symbols and Images
When designing a personal coat of arms, think carefully about choosing symbols, charges, and colors that reflect your identity, interests, values, family history and achievements. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Your last name – associated plant, animal, object
- Your nationality, ethnicity or ancestry
- Your occupation, field of work or studies
- Your hobbies and interests
- Your personality traits
- Significant life events
- Mythical creatures, zodiac signs
- Religious, political or philosophical symbols
Research symbolism in heraldry to understand the meaning of common charges. For example, a lion could represent courage, strength and leadership. Combining multiple symbols allows you to represent different facets of your identity.
Using Meaningful Colors
Color is an important element in a coat of arms design. The tinctures (colors) used also have symbolic significance. Here are some of the most common heraldic tinctures and their meanings:
| Tincture | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gules | Red | Warrior/martyr, military strength |
| Azure | Blue | Loyalty, truth, wisdom |
| Vert | Green | Hope, joy, plenty |
| Purpure | Purple | Royal/noble, justice, sovereignty |
| Sable | Black | Grief, wisdom, constancy |
The most common combination is a metal (gold or silver) paired with a color (red or blue). Additional meanings can come from meaningful combinations of multiple colors.
Incorporating Personal Symbolism
Beyond the standard heraldic symbols and colors, you can add design elements with personal symbolic meaning. For example:
– Geographic shape of your home state or country
– Visual representations of your initials
– Stars or hearts to represent your family members
– Religious symbols relevant to your faith
– Your favorite flowers, trees, seasons, weather
– Scales or books if you work in justice or academia
– Tools of your trade like hammers, swords, or pens
– Own interests like sports, animals, or the arts
The key is choosing symbols that authentically resonate with who you are or what you want to represent to the world. Spend time brainstorming all the visual possibilities.
Researching Family Coats of Arms
Genealogical research can uncover coats of arms associated with your family surname or ancestry that you can incorporate into your design. For common surnames, many different coats of arms may exist. While you can’t assume the right to an existing coat just from a surname match, it can provide inspiration. Elements such as charges, ordinaries, tinctures and mottoes associated with your surname can be meaningful additions. However, don’t simply copy a full existing coat of arms design. Create your own unique variation displaying your personal identity and story.
Using Heraldic Principles
While you have creative freedom, adhere to some core heraldic principles for a professional, authentic look:
– Limit the number of colors (tinctures) to 2 or 3
– Don’t combine metals or colors (ex. blue on blue, gold on silver)
– Avoid realistic or landscape scenes
– Balance complexity and simplicity
– Fill the shield space in a meaningful way
– Ensure contrast between adjacent colors
– Follow the Rule of Tincture: metals go on colors, colors on metals
– Align elements symmetrically and properly on shield
Learning more about heraldic design, looking at existing coats of arms, and having your drafts reviewed by those familiar with heraldry can help avoid mistakes.
Design Process
Here is an overview of the typical process for designing your own coat of arms:
- Brainstorm meaning personal symbols, colors, motto phrase
- Research family history, heraldry meanings, existing arms
- Sketch draft designs and iterations
- Refine primary symbols for shield charge and crest
- Choose tinctures, ordinaries, helms, supporters etc.
- Simplify and finalize black and white line art version
- Create color version following heraldic tincture rules
- Add finishing touches like text, flourishes, detailing
- Have heraldry experts review and provide feedback
- Finalize your coat of arms design!
Take your time brainstorming ideas and iterating on your design. Part of the appeal of having your own coat of arms is the meaning behind its unique symbolic elements.
Creating Your Coat of Arms Visually
To create the visual design for your coat of arms, you have several options:
Draw by Hand
Draw your design using paper and art pens or paint. While requiring artistic skill, this allows you to get a hands-on feel and make changes as you go. Use pencil to sketch drafts, then trace in ink or paint once finalized.
Hire an Artist
Commission a skilled illustrator or heraldic artist to hand-draw your coat of arms. Provide them your concept, meanings, symbols and they can create a high quality rendered piece. This ensures a professional, traditional look.
Use Computer Programs
Popular options include Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape or Microsoft PowerPoint. These allow you to start with basic shapes and build up your design digitally. You can also find libraries of heraldic symbols to import. This gives flexibility to experiment and modify elements with ease.
Specialized heraldic design software like Drawshield provides templates and tools tailored for coats of arms. But graphics software offers more control for completely custom designs.
Finalizing Your Design
Once you have sketched drafts and created clean digital or painted artwork of your coat of arms, follow these final steps:
- Check heraldic rules have been properly followed
- Ensure symbols and colors match your vision and meaning
- Refine details like flourishes and text elements
- Have heraldry experts review and provide feedback
- Make any final tweaks based on reviews
- Add your name, year, location
- Save high resolution and editable versions
- Register with online armorial registries if desired
Your coat of arms can evolve over time as you make revisions or additions that reflect new phases of your life.
Uses For Your Personal Coat of Arms
Once you’ve created your own coat of arms, you can proudly display it as your personal symbol and decorate your life with its meaningful imagery. Here are some ways to use your coat of arms design:
- Stationery – letterhead, business cards, monogram
- Website – personal, family, business
- Social media – profile picture, banners
- Home decor – framed prints, painted murals, woodcarvings
- Clothing – embroidered jackets, t-shirts, caps
- Jewelry and accessories – rings, pendants, cufflinks
- Specialty items – flags, glassware, signet rings
- Vehicles – emblems, decals, license plates
Displaying your coat of arms shows pride in your identity and heritage. It celebrates your story in a meaningful, visually engaging way.
Conclusion
Designing your own personal or family coat of arms is an enriching creative project that results in a cherished emblem unique to you. Follow basic heraldic principles but make choices that symbolize your values, history, and aspirations. Spend time brainstorming meaningful imagery, create quality visuals, and display your coat of arms anywhere you wish. While an official grant of arms requires governmental approval, anyone can develop a personal coat of arms to honor their identity. Your coat of arms is whatever you want it to be – make yours as special as you are!
