Washington State Flag Redesign
The two orcas symbolize the Salish Sea and the deep connection between the people of Washington and the Pacific Ocean. I found it appropriate to use orcas since they're the official state marine mammal and often depicted in indigenous art. They represent balance, community (obviously), strength, and intelligence.
The color palette is directly taken from the current flag. The turquoise field reflects the waters of Puget Sound, the Pacific coast, and the glacial rivers and lakes that shape the state. Green symbolizes the forests and evergreen landscapes that give Washington its unofficial nickname, “The Evergreen State.” The gold field represents the agricultural richness of eastern Washington: wheat fields and grasslands, while also conveying prosperity and sunlight east of the Cascade Range.
The geometric patterns are inspired by Indigenous weaving and textile motifs of the Pacific Northwest. The five large geometric forms dividing the flag, and literally the state, between east and west represent Washington’s five active volcanoes: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak, because volcanoes are peak. The 42 repeating chevron patterns symbolize Washington being the 42nd state admitted to the Union. Their flowing arrangement symbolizes wind, rivers, agriculture (wheat fields), and the treelines of Washington.