Arica y Parinacota (Chile)

Some weeks ago I read a news that gave an idea to a new post on this blog: Microsoft, one of biggest enterprises in the world, changed its logo. Look at the new logo:

You may be thinking: OK, but what this have to do with flags? I can better answer you with a flag: the one of Arica and Parinacota Region, in Chile.




















It seems like Microsoft copied Arica and Parinacota logo or, more probably, the creators of the flag predicted some design trends. The two are recent: the province was only created in 2007.

This example shows perfectly that a flag can be a design piece. Unfortunately, this also shows that flag-making rules aren't necessarily identical to design rules. For example, writing is something that somebody with vexillologic knowledge would avoid.

In other hand, this model can be used as problem without major problems: some elements of the place are shown (llamas, a colonial building, a beach and mountains). It's distinguishable and can be used in many occasions (see the regional Manual of Graphic Norms). At least, still this design become old-fashioned: see the flag of Newfoundland and Labrador and you'll know better the problem — being sincere, probably Labrador and Newfoundland flag never looked good.

Thank you for reading. Every comment is welcome.