Advice on Heraldic Design
from the Expert
Design
In addition to providing artwork for existing designs, or advising how to get designs recognised, Philip can also be commissioned to use his years of expertise to create new design proposals for individuals, businesses and communities - either from scratch or through on-going consultation.
Having worked on over a hundred proposals, Philip has a practical understanding of how to optimise graphical impact. Owing to his experience of down-select panels in competitions Philip is able to rapidly prototype artwork for designs in real time for those on a tight deadline or looking for options.
The unique extent of Philip's experience has also provided him with the research resources and insights to maximise the emotional resonance of a design. Furthermore Philip's procedural knowledge ensures that designs and proposals will meet the criteria and traditions for recognition.
Flags &
Symbols
As well as being Scotland's Vexillologist, having co-written the leading guide to universal vexillography, Philip can design flags for wherever in the world you happen to be.
Philip has designed a variety of other types of symbol for a range of clients. This includes traditionally visual symbols such as Coats of Arms, Badges, Tartans as well as non-visual types such as community festivals, like County Days.
Having access to a range of armorial resources allows Philip to create designs to meet traditions whilst remaining distinct. Being versed in technical requirements, such as blazonry, Philip can ensure the technical basis for any design.
Products
& More
As well as designing the symbols themselves, Philip has extensive experience of helping turn them into a range of real physical objects for individuals, businesses or communites.
The elegance of these types of symbols gives them a huge applicability, versatility and utility. Philip has helped design all manner of items from road signs, decanters and clothing to seals, jewellery and garden ornaments.
Over the years Philip has built up an extensive list of contacts with specialist craftspeople across Scotland & the UK to help make these items a reality, and can even make a few things himself.
Usage &
Protocol
Philip's design experience does not end with the recognised symbol, but Philip is able to design usage guides deriving from his own experience of law, tradition and best practice.
This has ranged from answering specific symbolism queries, to helping to review existing policies & protocols as well as designing new usage guides from the ground up where none had previous existed.
Bodies assisted include: the UK Parliamentary Flags & Heraldry Committee, Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government, National Fire Service, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Police Scotland and Eden Council.
Portfolio
Although being a keen proponent of informing and empowering others, especially communities, to design their own symbols, Philip has been greatly honoured to be asked to design some himself.
Philip was particularly pleased to have been selected to design the Kirkcudbrightshire flag as part of that community's Royal Anniversary celebration.
Designing the community flag for the Cinque Ports in England and creating his own badge of office at the Lyon Court are other career highlights. These and a selection of other designs created by Philip can be seen in the showcase here.
