POPULAR WAYS TO DIVIDE SHIELDS
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. |
