A Beginner’s Guide To Heraldry

Heraldry is the practice of creating and using coats of arms, emblems used to represent individuals, families, organisations, or nations. Coats of arms are typically composed of a shield, a crest, and a motto, and they are often displayed on banners, flags, or other forms of visual media.

If you’re interested in creating your own coat of arms, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Research the history and symbolism of heraldry

Before you begin designing your own coat of arms it’s important to familiarise yourself with the history and symbolism of heraldry. This will help you understand the meanings behind different colours, shapes, and symbols and will give you a better sense of what elements to include in your own design.

2. Choose a shield shape and colours

The shield is the central element of a coat of arms, and it can be in various shapes, including oval, square, rectangular, or round. The colours you choose for your shield will also be significant, as different colours have different meanings in heraldry. For example, gold represents generosity, white represents purity, and red represents valour.

3. Decide on the symbols and elements you want to include on your shield

Some common symbols used in heraldry include animals (such as lions, eagles, or dragons), plants (such as trees, flowers, or leaves), and objects (such as crowns, swords, or shields). You can choose symbols that are meaningful to you or that represent your values or interests.

4. Choose a crest and motto

The crest is a decorative element that sits on top of the shield, and it can be in the form of an animal, object, or symbol. For example, Sealand’s motto (E Mare Libertas | From The Sea, Freedom) is a short phrase or slogan that appears below the shield and is meant to capture the essence of the Principality of Sealand.

5. Create a sketch of your design

Once you’ve decided on the elements you want to include in your coat of arms, it’s time to start sketching out your design. You can use a piece of paper and pen, or you can use a digital drawing tool.

6. Refine and finalise your design

Once you have a rough sketch of your coat of arms, it’s time to refine and finalise your design. You can do this by adding details, adjusting the proportions of the elements, and choosing the final colours and patterns.

Creating a coat of arms can be a fun and creative process, and it’s a great way to express your identity or values. Whether you’re designing a coat of arms for yourself, your family, or your organisation, following these steps will help you create a meaningful and effective design.

Did you know we can create a Personalised Coat of Arms for you? Find out more here.