Minnesota’s contributions to agriculture, timber harvesting, mining, paper production, and food manufacturing are well documented. But creativity, generally, is now one of our state’s most invaluable intangible assets. On the whole of it, Minnesota often punches above its weight class as a community.

The Minnesota Legislature’s recent decision to open up suggestions for new state flag designs is a unique opportunity to harness this creative power. The state will continue to accept ideas through Oct. 31.

Lawmakers and citizens have both awakened to the glaring inadequacy of our current state flag and seal, which has been criticized as both “uninspiring” and “offensive” to indigenous populations.

Now is the time to initiate a thoughtful new design. To start, a design process, much like any creative endeavor, hinges on three elements: direction, audience, and energy. Direction stems from the state of Minnesota, setting the boundaries and ultimately making the decision. The audience is the public, and perhaps this endeavor might even attract new residents with a captivating flag design. As for energy, that’s your personal passion, especially if you’re among those volunteering to submit an idea.

So, let’s ignite enthusiasm for flag design. We can look to neighboring states like Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan for inspiration. Interestingly, most Midwestern states employ a seal on their flags, with Iowa being the exception. South Dakota takes it to the extreme by literally spelling out ‘seal’ on their flag.

A seal is one thing, and a flag is another. At its core, a flag should swiftly identify a group of people from a distance. A seal, on the other hand, tells a deeper story, meant to be examined up close. Thus, designing a distinct flag, as our state intends, is a positive indicator.

In a design brief, state officials asked for submissions centered on six main design objectives: simplicity and recognizability, distinctive colors, modern appeal, symbolism, symmetry, and a mandate not to include any symbols, emblems, or likenesses that “represent only a single community.” Notably, these objectives make no reference to the designer’s background, gender, age, or race, reinforcing fairness in the selection process.

While I might usually voice skepticism about crowdsourced designs, Minnesota’s creative community presents a compelling exception. We’re also known for our appreciation of good design, so let’s rally our state to make an exceptional choice. Surely, we can do better than surrounding states with flags adorned with eagles, ribbons, deer, and awkwardly positioned figures.

For inspiration, let’s turn to Roman Mars, the host of the 99 Percent Invisible podcast, who hails the Chicago flag as a prime example of great flag design. In my humble opinion, Colorado has set a high standard among states, featuring bold simplicity and rich iconography. The pattern in remarkable flag design seems to favor bold, meaningful symbols, something you’d proudly wear on a baseball cap and gaze up at during a game.

Let’s see if our creative community can surpass these examples.

Minnesotans for a Better Flag, a group that’s been advocating for a new flag for years, has collected a few popular submissions. Take some time to peruse the options and take note of the names of the designers beneath each flag.

One formidable contender was designed by Rochester flag shop owner Lee Herold and Catholic priest Rev. William Becker. Another option based on the Dakota Star by Colin E.W. Rice seems to deviate from the state’s mandatory requirements, as the Dakota Star holds significance in Lakota mythology and art. Lastly, there’s another solid proposal from a resident in Ogema, Minnesota.

However, here’s where things get tricky.

The state of Minnesota, as the client, must decide and present the final design to us, the audience. To successfully sell it, they need a compelling story. Part of this narrative must revolve around the designers, as their role is indispensable. The state can’t sidestep this responsibility by putting the final five designs up for a general online vote, as exemplified by the “Boaty McBoatface” debacle in the United Kingdom.

The story behind the flag’s design will be as vital as the design itself. Rest assured, the tale of the designers will share the spotlight with the flag’s symbolism and aesthetics.