Design Your Own Family Crest: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a family crest, also known as a coat of arms, is a fantastic way to connect with your heritage and create a unique symbol representing your family’s values, history, and identity. While traditionally reserved for nobility, designing a crest for your family today is a creative and meaningful project anyone can undertake. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from researching your family history to finalizing your design.

Why Create a Family Crest?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s consider the ‘why.’ Creating a family crest can be a deeply rewarding experience. Here are a few reasons to embark on this creative journey:

• Connecting with your heritage: Researching your family history to inform your crest design can uncover fascinating stories and connect you with your ancestors.
• Creating a unique family symbol: A family crest becomes a visual representation of your family’s values, principles, and aspirations.
• Personalization and Creativity: The design process is a creative outlet, allowing you to express your family’s unique personality and artistic flair.
• Family Tradition: Creating a crest can start a new family tradition, passed down through generations.
• Decorative and symbolic value: A family crest can be used on various items, from stationery and jewelry to home decor, adding a personal touch to your belongings.

Step 1: Research Your Family History

The foundation of any meaningful family crest is your family history. Delving into your ancestry will provide inspiration for symbols, colors, and mottos that resonate with your family’s past.

• Genealogy Research: Start by exploring your family tree. Websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch can be invaluable resources. Gather as much information as possible about your ancestors, including their origins, occupations, significant events, and notable achievements.
• Family Stories and Legends: Talk to older family members and gather oral histories. These stories can provide valuable insights into your family’s character and values. Look for recurring themes, memorable events, or significant figures that stand out.
• Surnames and their Meanings: Research the origins and meanings of your family surnames. This can provide clues about your ancestors’ occupations, origins, or characteristics. Many surnames have symbolic meanings that can be incorporated into your crest design.
• Geographical Origins: Identify the regions or countries your ancestors came from. Different cultures have distinct heraldic traditions and symbols that you can draw inspiration from. Research the historical symbols associated with your ancestral homelands.

Step 2: Understanding Heraldic Principles

While you have the freedom to design your crest as you see fit, understanding basic heraldic principles can enhance its authenticity and visual appeal. Here are some key elements to consider:

• The Shield (or Escutcheon): The shield is the central element of the crest and the primary surface for displaying heraldic symbols. Various shield shapes are used in heraldry, each with its own historical significance. Common shapes include the heater shield (triangular), the Norman shield (kite-shaped), and the lozenge (diamond-shaped, often used for women’s arms).
• Tinctures (Colors and Metals): Heraldry uses a specific set of colors and metals, each with its own symbolic meaning. The primary colors are:
• Gules (Red): Represents courage, valor, and martyrdom.
• Azure (Blue): Represents loyalty, truth, and faith.
• Vert (Green): Represents hope, growth, and abundance.
• Sable (Black): Represents wisdom, constancy, and grief.
• Purpure (Purple): Represents royalty, justice, and sovereignty.

The metals are:

• Or (Gold): Represents generosity, glory, and elevation of mind.
• Argent (Silver/White): Represents peace, purity, and innocence.

A fundamental rule in heraldry is the Rule of Tincture, which states that metal should not be placed on metal, nor color on color. This is to ensure contrast and visibility. Furs, such as ermine (white with black spots) and vair (alternating blue and white squirrel hides), are also used in heraldry.

• Charges (Symbols and Emblems): Charges are the various symbols and emblems placed on the shield. These can include animals, plants, objects, and geometric shapes. Each charge has its own symbolic meaning. For example:
• Lion: Represents courage, strength, and royalty.
• Eagle: Represents power, freedom, and nobility.
• Fleur-de-lis: Represents purity, light, and the French monarchy.
• Cross: Represents faith, sacrifice, and Christianity.
• Star: Represents hope, guidance, and celestial nobility.
• Oak Tree: Represents strength, endurance, and resilience.
• Divisions of the Field: The shield can be divided into different sections, each with its own color or charge. Common divisions include:
• Party per pale: Divided vertically down the center.
• Party per fess: Divided horizontally across the center.
• Party per bend: Divided diagonally from the upper right to the lower left.
• Party per bend sinister: Divided diagonally from the upper left to the lower right.
• Quarterly: Divided into four equal sections.
• The Crest (Above the Helmet): The crest sits atop the helmet (if included) and is another opportunity to display symbolic elements. Crests often feature animals, birds, or abstract designs.
• The Motto: A motto is a short phrase or sentence that encapsulates the family’s values or aspirations. It is typically displayed on a scroll beneath the shield. The motto can be in any language, but Latin is a common choice.
• The Supporters: Supporters are figures (usually animals or humans) that stand on either side of the shield, holding it up. Supporters are often symbolic of the family’s heritage or character.
• The Torse (Wreath): A twisted roll of fabric placed between the helmet and the crest. It usually consists of the main colors of the shield.
• The Mantling (Lambrequin): A cloth draped from the helmet, often tattered and decorative, representing the cloth armor worn in battle. Its colors typically match the main colors of the shield.

Step 3: Brainstorming and Symbol Selection

With your family history and heraldic principles in mind, it’s time to brainstorm and select the symbols, colors, and motto that will represent your family. This is where your creativity comes into play.

• Identify Key Family Values: What are the core values that define your family? Consider traits like courage, honesty, loyalty, perseverance, compassion, and wisdom. Choose symbols that represent these values.
• Reflect on Family History: Are there any recurring themes, occupations, or events in your family history that can be represented symbolically? For example, if your ancestors were farmers, you might incorporate wheat or a plow into your design. If they were sailors, you might use an anchor or a ship.
• Consider Surnames and Geographical Origins: Explore the meanings of your surnames and the symbols associated with your ancestral homelands. Look for visual elements that connect your family to its roots.
• Choose a Color Palette: Select a color palette that reflects your family’s personality and values. Consider the symbolic meanings of the heraldic colors when making your choices. Remember the Rule of Tincture!
• Craft a Meaningful Motto: Develop a short phrase or sentence that encapsulates your family’s values or aspirations. The motto should be memorable, inspiring, and representative of your family’s character.
• Sketching and Ideation: Start sketching different ideas and combinations of symbols. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different concepts. Use pencil and paper, or digital drawing tools if you prefer.
• Seek Feedback: Share your sketches and ideas with family members and ask for their feedback. Incorporate their suggestions and refine your design based on their input.

Step 4: Designing Your Crest

Now it’s time to translate your ideas into a formal crest design. You can choose to create your crest by hand or using digital design software.

Designing by Hand

1. Gather Your Materials: You will need drawing paper, pencils, erasers, rulers, colored pencils or markers (in heraldic colors), and a compass.
2. Sketch the Shield: Start by sketching the outline of the shield. Choose a shield shape that appeals to you and is appropriate for your family’s heritage.
3. Divide the Field (Optional): If you want to divide the shield, use a ruler and pencil to draw the division lines.
4. Draw the Charges: Carefully draw the chosen symbols and emblems onto the shield. Pay attention to proportion and placement.
5. Color the Shield: Use colored pencils or markers to color the shield according to your chosen color palette. Adhere to the Rule of Tincture.
6. Add the Crest, Helmet, Torse, and Mantling (Optional): If you want to include these elements, draw them above the shield. The helmet should be positioned centrally above the shield. The torse sits between the helmet and the crest, and the mantling drapes down from the helmet.
7. Write the Motto: Write the motto on a scroll beneath the shield. Use a clear and legible font.
8. Refine Your Design: Review your design carefully and make any necessary adjustments. Erase any stray lines and add any final details.

Designing Digitally

1. Choose Design Software: Several digital design programs are suitable for creating family crests, including Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (free), and Canva.
2. Set Up Your Canvas: Create a new document with a high resolution (at least 300 dpi) to ensure a crisp and clear image.
3. Draw the Shield: Use the shape tools to create the outline of the shield. You can find vector images of various shield shapes online.
4. Divide the Field (Optional): Use the line tools to divide the shield if desired.
5. Add the Charges: Import or draw the chosen symbols and emblems. You can find vector images of heraldic symbols online, or you can create your own.
6. Color the Shield: Use the color picker to fill the shield with your chosen colors. Adhere to the Rule of Tincture.
7. Add the Crest, Helmet, Torse, and Mantling (Optional): Import or draw these elements and position them above the shield.
8. Add the Motto: Use the text tool to add the motto beneath the shield. Choose a font that complements your design.
9. Refine Your Design: Use the various editing tools to refine your design and make any necessary adjustments.
10. Save Your Design: Save your design in a high-resolution format, such as PNG or SVG.

Step 5: Finalizing and Sharing Your Crest

Once you are satisfied with your design, it’s time to finalize it and share it with your family. Here are some final steps to consider:

• Get Family Approval: Show the final design to your family members and get their approval. Make sure everyone is happy with the chosen symbols, colors, and motto.
• Create a High-Quality Version: Ensure that you have a high-quality version of your crest that can be used for various purposes. If you designed it by hand, consider scanning it at a high resolution or having it professionally digitized.
• Register Your Crest (Optional): While not legally required, you can register your crest with heraldic authorities, such as the College of Arms (in the UK) or the American College of Heraldry. Registration provides a record of your crest and can help prevent others from using it.
• Use Your Crest: Start using your family crest on various items, such as stationery, business cards, websites, social media profiles, and home decor.
• Share Your Crest: Share your family crest with your family members and encourage them to use it as well. Consider creating a family website or social media group to showcase your crest and share its story.
• Preserve Your Crest: Ensure that your family crest is preserved for future generations. Create a digital archive of your design and its history, and pass it down to your descendants.

Examples of Family Crest Elements and their Meanings

Here are some additional examples of common elements found in family crests and their associated meanings:

• Anchor: Hope, stability, and steadfastness. Often used by families with maritime connections.
• Bee: Industry, diligence, and teamwork. Represents a hard-working and cooperative family.
• Book: Knowledge, learning, and wisdom. Represents a family that values education and intellectual pursuits.
• Castle: Protection, security, and strength. Represents a family with a strong sense of home and community.
• Dragon: Power, strength, and protection. Represents a family with a fierce and protective spirit.
• Hand: Faith, sincerity, and hospitality. Represents a family that is welcoming and generous.
• Heart: Love, charity, and sincerity. Represents a family that is compassionate and caring.
• Horse: Courage, strength, and loyalty. Represents a family that is adventurous and reliable.
• Lily: Purity, innocence, and beauty. Represents a family with refined tastes and values.
• Moon: Hope, intuition, and change. Represents a family that is adaptable and imaginative.
• Olive Branch: Peace, harmony, and victory. Represents a family that seeks peace and reconciliation.
• Phoenix: Resurrection, renewal, and immortality. Represents a family that is resilient and able to overcome challenges.
• Rose: Love, beauty, and passion. Represents a family that is romantic and affectionate.
• Sun: Glory, life, and leadership. Represents a family that is ambitious and influential.
• Sword: Justice, courage, and honor. Represents a family that is just and honorable.
• Tower: Defense, strength, and watchfulness. Represents a family that is protective and vigilant.
• Wolf: Loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Represents a family that is brave and determined.

Tools and Resources

Here is a list of helpful tools and resources to assist you in your family crest design journey:

• Genealogy Websites: Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, FamilySearch
• Heraldry Websites: The International Heraldry Society, The American College of Heraldry, The College of Arms (UK)
• Digital Design Software: Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (free), Canva
• Online Symbol Libraries: The Noun Project, Flaticon
• Books on Heraldry: “Complete Guide to Heraldry” by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, “Heraldry: Sources, Symbols and Meaning” by Ottfried Neubecker

Conclusion

Creating a family crest is a rewarding and meaningful project that allows you to connect with your heritage and create a unique symbol representing your family’s values. By following these steps, researching your family history, understanding heraldic principles, and embracing your creativity, you can design a family crest that will be cherished for generations to come. Remember to involve your family in the process and make it a collaborative and enjoyable experience. Your family crest will serve as a powerful reminder of your shared history, values, and identity.