Tinctures and
Composition
Metals, Colors, Style,
Charges
| Basic Rule of Heraldry: Less Is
More Limit the number of tinctures (metals or colors or furs) to 4. We recommend that you use 1-2 colors with 1-2 metals (gold/silver/white). Limit the number of charges (elements such as animals, birds, etc.) on the shield to between 1 and 4. More impact is achieved with one animal that is the focus, i.e., large, and other, smaller charges in balance.   Mantling and torse should echo colors of the design itself. Traditionally, the mantling and torse (wreath) are composed of the first metal and the first color specified in the coat of arms. With multiple metals and colors, the first two metals and the first two colors may be used, but the metal should be used near the same color it is used with in the design. Use good contrast. Use a metal against a color or a color against a metal. A charge must have good contrast with any charge placed entirely on it. Gold on gold is not advisable because the charge will melt into the background. Good composition: Balance is desirable. Repeating an element or charge can provide good balance, as can a quartered shield with opposing colors and charges. The same metal should remain with the same color, i.e., red and silver/white, or gold and blue, throughout the design.   Rules are meant to be broken, even in Heraldry There is no right or wrong to any designs, but simple rules of good composition, contrast, focus, balance, etc. apply to any piece of artwork. |
Popular Ways to Divide Shields Shown Here
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