Is this guide suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, absolutely. We designed this guide with beginners in mind. It starts with the fundamental definitions and historical context before moving on to more complex topics like the rules of composition and tincture. We've included a comprehensive glossary to define key terms, and the content is supported by numerous illustrations and examples. While the subject matter is deep, our presentation is structured to be a clear and accessible entry point into the fascinating world of heraldry and vexillology.
Can I legally create and use my own coat of arms?
The legality and regulation of heraldry vary significantly by country. In some nations, like Scotland and Canada, there are official heraldic authorities that grant and regulate coats of arms. In others, like the United States, there is no official regulation, and individuals are free to design and assume arms for themselves. Our guide touches upon these differences, but we recommend consulting the specific laws and traditions of your own country for a definitive answer on official registration and usage.
What is the difference between heraldry and vexillology?
While both fields study symbols of identity, they focus on different media. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms, armorial bearings, and badges, which are typically associated with individuals, families, or corporations and follow a strict set of ancient rules. Vexillology, on the other hand, is the study of flags. While flag design has its own set of principles for effectiveness, it is generally a more modern and less rigidly codified discipline than heraldry. Our guide dedicates separate sections to explore each field in detail.
Do you offer consultation services for designing a coat of arms?
As an academic and educational institution, we do not offer commercial design services. Our focus is on providing historical context and explaining the rules and traditions of heraldry. However, our guide provides all the foundational knowledge you would need to begin designing a coat of arms yourself. For official registration, we recommend contacting the heraldic authority in your country, if one exists.
How is your research funded?
The Vexillum Institute is funded through a combination of academic grants, private donations from patrons of historical studies, and partnerships with cultural institutions. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to making our primary research, like this white paper, available to the public free of charge to promote education in the humanities.
Are the images in the guide available for use?
The historical images and illustrations used within the white paper are either in the public domain or used under license for educational purposes within this guide only. They are not cleared for your personal or commercial use. If you download the 'Complete Package', the included image asset pack contains custom-made diagrams and illustrations by us which are licensed under Creative Commons for non-commercial use with attribution. Please check the license file included in the download for specifics.