Logo and flag design share the need to communicate more than an idea, an identity, that can be instantly recognized- these symbols become more than just semiotic placeholders, they become globally recognized, historical staples. Take, for example, Coca Cola, or Tide, or McDonalds. These brands, and their iconography, have seen nearly a century (or in Coca Cola's case, even longer) of being household names, familiarized in the culture of Americana. Flags are similar in that they are universally recognized, used as a symbol of rebellion or political stance (think of the Confederate or the Cascadia flag). The American flag is just as iconic, but its significance has developed over the 3 centuries of our country's history, from the first flag designed and sewn by Betsey Ross, to the current political climate of dichotomy of race, class. and independence versus control in politics. Though a logo may not represent an entire group of people and its history, it certainly provides the viewer with a large portion of information from a limited (though established) form- take, for example, the well-known yellow "M" of McDonalds. I think I related to this video because the main takeaway is that simple is best. When my designs become too complicated I force myself to step away, then remove half of everything I have created and reevaluate what is truly essential to the design. The least successful flags that Mars talks about feature the most text (and are the least minimalistic/streamlined in design)- reducing the amount of provided information, and allowing the viewer to deduce the meaning through visual interpretation, makes for a successful design. Take, for example, the red maple leaf of the Canadian flag, on which the maple leaf invokes Canadian spirit: unity, tolerance, and peace. The red stands for England, and the white for France- where the country gains its roots. Such a simple design, and yet it carries so much significance, and is an excellent example of "less is more."
